Prostate cancer is the most common solid cancer affecting men, excluding skin cancer.
Here in Australia, more than 20,000 men are diagnosed every year. In the United States, that number exceeds 300,000 men annually.

As a urologist and Director of the Prostate Clinic on the Gold Coast, some of the most valuable lessons I have learned over the past 20 years have not come from textbooks or journals—but from listening to the stories of my patients.

For many men, hearing the words “you have prostate cancer” feels as though time suddenly stops. Looking back, many patients tell me they wish they had known just how common prostate cancer really is.

One of the challenges men face is that we often don’t talk openly about our health. As a result, many men are unaware of how common prostate conditions are within their own social circles.

When men do begin to talk—openly and honestly—they often discover that friends, colleagues, and extended family members have faced similar diagnoses. This sense of shared experience can be incredibly powerful and reassuring.

One of the most common reflections I hear from patients is that they wished they had asked more questions early on.

For most men, prostate cancer does not require rushed decision-making. The majority of prostate cancers grow slowly, and in most cases there is time to carefully consider treatment options.

Before choosing a treatment, it is important to understand:

Understanding these factors allows you to make a treatment decision that aligns with both cancer control and quality of life.

Every man’s situation is unique. While patients are encouraged to make the decision that feels right for them, it is important to remember that prostate cancer specialists manage this condition every day and can guide men through the nuances of each treatment pathway.

Discussions about treatment should include:

What is often overlooked, however, is the psychological and emotional impact of prostate cancer—not only on the patient, but also on their partner.

Open, honest discussions with your partner about expectations, intimacy, and emotional wellbeing are an important part of the journey.

Treatment is not the end of the story—it is the beginning of a new chapter.

I encourage men to see a prostate cancer diagnosis, where possible, as an opportunity to improve overall health. Many men reach mid-life carrying extra weight or developing early signs of metabolic issues such as:

Using this moment as motivation to improve fitness and wellbeing can be life-changing.

Men who have been through prostate cancer often tell me the following lifestyle changes made a real difference:

Aim to walk for at least one hour each day. Walking improves mood, helps manage weight, and supports overall health.

Resistance exercise (lifting weights) helps maintain muscle mass, prevents age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia), improves metabolic health, and boosts mental wellbeing.

If surgery is planned, targeted physiotherapy can significantly improve recovery and continence outcomes.

Alcohol plays a strong social role in our culture, but it offers no real health benefits. Reducing intake can improve both physical and mental health.

Many survivors feel a strong desire to help others after their diagnosis. Sharing your experience can encourage other men to:

Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes and cure rates.

Above all else, know this: you are not alone.

Thousands of men walk this path every year, and support is available through:

Talking to others who understand the journey can make an enormous difference.

While a prostate cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, many men discover that how they respond after diagnosis is what truly shapes their future.

If you have questions, concerns, or a story you would like to share, we encourage you to reach out and connect. Supporting one another helps all men move forward with confidence.

Until next time—take care of your prostate.