Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer ranges from slow growing disease that may never cause harm to aggressive cancer requiring treatment. Testing decisions should be individual and informed.
Common signs and symptoms
Having one or more of these symptoms does not mean you have cancer. New, unexplained or persistent changes should be assessed.
- early prostate cancer often causes no symptoms
- difficulty starting or maintaining urine flow
- urinating frequently, especially at night
- blood in urine or semen
- persistent bone pain in advanced disease
Risk factors
A risk factor changes probability; it does not predict who will or will not develop cancer.
- increasing age
- family history or inherited variants
- African ancestry
- some lifestyle and metabolic factors may influence risk
Screening and early detection
Screening with PSA and examination involves benefits and harms. Discuss personal risk and shared decision making with a healthcare professional.
How it is investigated and diagnosed
Assessment may include PSA, rectal examination, MRI and targeted prostate biopsy. Imaging is used for staging when indicated.
A biopsy or specialist test is usually needed to confirm the diagnosis and exact cancer type. Your healthcare team will explain which tests are appropriate.
Common treatment approaches
Treatment is individual and depends on the cancer subtype, stage, test results, general health and the patient’s priorities.
- active surveillance for selected low risk disease
- surgery
- radiotherapy
- hormone therapy
- chemotherapy or targeted treatment for advanced disease
Only a qualified treating team can recommend a treatment plan.
Questions to ask your healthcare professional
- What exact cancer type and subtype has been found?
- What stage is it, and which tests established the stage?
- What are my treatment options, expected benefits and possible side effects?
- Should biomarker, genetic or inherited risk testing be considered?
- Who should I contact if my symptoms change or I need urgent help?
When to seek urgent help
Seek urgent care for inability to urinate, new leg weakness, numbness around the groin or loss of bladder or bowel control.
If someone is in immediate danger, contact emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department. CFC is not an emergency medical service.
Reliable medical sources
This guide was medically reviewed against current public information from the following authoritative organisations:
This page provides general information only. It cannot diagnose cancer, recommend treatment or replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional who knows your circumstances.