September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

August 31 2025 Current state of cancer - Australian Cancer Plan

 

The following material has been sourced from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare

 

Prostate cancer was the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia in 2020. It is estimated that it will remain the most commonly diagnosed cancer in 2024.

In 2020, there were 23,350 new cases of prostate cancer diagnosed in Australia. In 2024, it is estimated that 26,368 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in Australia. In 2024, it is estimated that a male has a 1 in 6 (or 18%) risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer by the age of 85.

See your GP if you have any concerns. 

Prostate cancer signs and symptoms

Early prostate cancer usually does not cause symptoms.

Advanced prostate cancer symptoms can include:

  • frequent urination
  • pain while urinating
  • blood in the urine or semen
  • a weak stream
  • pain in the back or pelvis
  • weak legs or feet

More widespread disease often spreads to the bones and causes pain or unexplained weight loss and fatigue.

Causes of prostate cancer

Some factors that can increase your risk of prostate cancer include:

  • age, increasing rapidly after 50 years of age
  • family history of prostate, breast or ovarian cancer, especially BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations
  • a father or brother diagnosed with prostate cancer before the age of 60

There is an association with high testosterone levels.

Screening for prostate cancer

There are no tests available with sufficient accuracy to screen populations of men for early signs of prostate cancer. However, early detection and treatment can significantly improve prostate cancer survival.

The test most commonly used to aid early detection of prostate cancer is the prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test. This is not a diagnostic test as it can only indicate changes in the prostate. If you are concerned about prostate cancer you should talk to your doctor and make an informed choice about whether to have one of the tests designed to find early signs of prostate cancer, in view of the potential risks and benefits