Let’s be honest: most men would rather assemble flat-pack furniture without instructions than talk about their prostate. But prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting Australian men, and early detection can make a huge difference. The good news? Modern screening and treatment options are better, more accurate, and less frightening than many people think.
At Sage Medical, our friendly GPs are here to help you understand your risks, answer awkward questions, and guide you through screening and management options with compassion and common sense.
What Exactly Is the Prostate?
The prostate is a small gland sitting just below the bladder. Its job is to help produce semen. Unfortunately, as men age, the prostate can become enlarged, inflamed, or occasionally cancerous.
Think of it as the “quiet achiever” of the male body, until it starts causing trouble at 2am when you’re making your fourth trip to the toilet.
How Common Is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in Australian men. Many prostate cancers grow slowly, but some can be aggressive and life-threatening if not detected early. Importantly, early prostate cancer often causes no symptoms at all. That’s why screening discussions matter.
Who Should Consider Screening?
Current Australian guidelines recommend men discuss prostate cancer screening with their GP rather than automatically having testing. In general:
- Men aged 50 – 69 years may consider PSA testing every 2 years
- Men with a family history of prostate cancer may benefit from starting discussions earlier, around 40 – 45 years
- Men over 70 may still benefit from testing depending on overall health and life expectancy
Higher-risk groups include men with:
- A father or brother diagnosed with prostate cancer
- BRCA gene mutations
- A strong family history of breast, ovarian, or prostate cancer
What Is a PSA Test?
The PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test is a simple blood test that measures a protein made by the prostate. Higher PSA levels can sometimes indicate prostate cancer. However, and this is important, a high PSA does not automatically mean cancer.
PSA levels can also rise because of:
- Benign prostate enlargement
- Inflammation or infection
- Recent ejaculation
- Cycling
- Getting older
Yes, even an enthusiastic weekend bike ride can upset the prostate. It’s apparently quite sensitive.
What About the dreaded prostate examination
The digital rectal examination (DRE) allows a doctor to feel the prostate for abnormalities. Nobody puts this on their bucket list, but the reality is that it is quick, it is usually not painful, and it can occasionally detect abnormalities missed by blood tests.
What Happens If My PSA Is Elevated?
An abnormal PSA doesn’t mean you’ll automatically need treatment. Modern prostate cancer assessment is far more sophisticated than it used to be. Your GP may recommend:
- Repeating the PSA test or other additional blood tests
- Referral to a urologist for an MRI scan or prostate biopsy if needed
Importantly, MRI scans now help reduce unnecessary biopsies and improve accuracy.
Treatment Options
One of the biggest myths about prostate cancer is that diagnosis automatically means immediate surgery, but this is not true. Treatment options may include:
Active Surveillance
Some low-risk cancers grow so slowly they may simply be monitored with regular PSA tests, scans, and specialist reviews. In many men, this avoids unnecessary treatment side effects.
Surgery
Surgical removal of the prostate may be recommended for certain cancers, particularly in younger or fitter men.
Radiation Therapy
Modern radiation treatments are highly targeted and effective.
Hormone Therapy and Other Treatments
More advanced cancers may require hormone therapy, chemotherapy, or newer targeted treatments.
Book a Prostate Health Check at Sage Medical
If you’re aged 40 or older, have urinary symptoms, or simply want to discuss prostate health and screening, the friendly GPs at Sage Medical are here to help.
You can book an appointment at Sage Medical by:
📞 Call us on 03 8606 3206
🌐 Or click here to book online
