A prostate cancer diagnosis can be a life-altering experience, and it’s completely normal for patients and their families to feel anxious and overwhelmed. It is important to educate yourself by understanding prostate cancer, it’s stages (link to prostate cancer staging) and treatment options.
Our urologists offer a comprehensive range of treatment options for prostate cancer, supported by specially trained urology nurses.
What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?
In the early stages, prostate cancer generally causes no symptoms at all. The Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand recommend that men interested should begin assessing their prostate cancer risk through their family doctor at age 50 (or 45 if there is a family history) for a PSA blood test.
Some of the symptoms of advanced prostate cancer may include:
- Difficulty or pain with urination
- Blood in the urine (more commonly associated with an enlarged prostate or “BPH”
- Back pain (from spread to the bones)
How is prostate cancer diagnosed?
There is no single test, examination or scan which can reliably detect prostate cancer on its own. If you are over 50 (or over 45 with a family history of prostate cancer) talk to your family doctor about getting a check-up. The first screening test will be a PSA blood test that can help determine your individual risk.
You may then be referred to a Urologist for further evaluation which may include:
- Prostate examination (digital rectal examination)
- Multiparametric prostate MRI
- MRI-fusion transperineal prostate biopsy
What are the treatment options for prostate cancer?
Not all prostate cancers are the same so every diagnosis needs to be considered on an individual basis and tailored to each patient. The surgeons at Urology SA work closely with medical oncologists and radiation oncologists to ensure you have access to all treatment options and a personalized, unbiased, multidisciplinary approach to your care.
Treatment options include:
- Active surveillance
- Prostate Cancer Surgery (Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy)
- Radiation treatment
- Watchful waiting
- Systemic treatment for advanced cancer
