Prostate Cancer

Over 16,000* Australian men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year with nearly 3,000* dying from the condition.

Prostate Cancer is one of the disorders of the prostate. It occurs when some of the cells of the prostate reproduce far more rapidly than in a normal prostate, causing a swelling or tumour.

There are a number of problems that can occur with the prostate and they often have similar symptoms. Some of the symptoms of problems with the prostrate include: waking frequently at night to urinate, sudden or urgent need to urinate, difficulty in starting to urinate,  slow flow of urine and difficulty in stopping , discomfort when urinating, painful ejaculation, blood in the urine or semen , decrease in libido (sex urge) or reduced ability to get an erection.

Anyone experiencing any of these symptoms is advised to talk to their doctor for advice. Early expert diagnosis and treatment is important.

There are many treatments available to help treat prostate cancer. Treatments can include active surveillance (watchful waiting), surgery, radiation, high intensity focused ultrasound, and hormone therapy. 
 

* Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Cancer in Australia: an overview, 2008. (accessed 16 June 2009)