While this item is not related to the normal business and interests of the Club, it is of interest and
concern to all us aging sailors and is added in the members’ interest.
Prostate cancer happens when abnormal cells develop and grow in the prostate. These abnormal
cells can continue to multiply in an uncontrolled way and sometimes spread outside the prostate into
nearby or distant parts of the body.
In most men, prostate cancer is a slow growing disease. If it stays inside the prostate gland and
grows slowly, it may never cause a problem.
However, in some men the cancer may grow more quickly and can cause problems that can impact
on their life expectancy.
When the cancer cells spread outside of the prostate to other parts of the body, it is known as
advanced or metastatic prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian men, with about 18,000 men
newly diagnosed each year. More than 3300 Australian men die from prostate cancer each year.
Prostate cancer has one of the highest survival rates of all cancers, with 95% of men likely to
survive five years or more. About 220,000 Australian men are alive today after a diagnosis of prostate
cancer.
There are two proven risk factors that may increase the chance of developing prostate cancer:
Age: The risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age. The risk of getting prostate cancer
by the age of 75 is 1 in 7 men. By the age of 85, this increases to 1 in 6 men.
Family history: You have a higher chance of developing prostate cancer if you have a father,
brother or son who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. The risk increases again if more than one
close relative has prostate cancer. Risks are also higher for men whose relatives were diagnosed when
young. A family history of other cancers, like breast and ovarian cancers, may also increase your risk
of getting prostate cancer.
In the early stages of prostate cancer, there may be no symptoms. In the later stages, some
symptoms might include:
Feeling the frequent or sudden need to urinate
Finding it difficult to urinate (for example, trouble starting or not being able to urinate when
the feeling is there or poor urine flow)
Discomfort when urinating
Finding blood in urine or semen
Pain in the lower back, upper thighs or hips.
Many of these symptoms are common. They may not mean you have prostate cancer. But if you
are worried about your symptoms, it is important that you talk to your doctor.
A doctor will usually do a PSA blood test and may do a physical examination and/or organise a
MRI scan to check the health of the prostate. If these tests indicate a possibility of prostate cancer, you
may need a biopsy.
Prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test
PSA is a protein that is produced by the prostate gland. Higher than normal PSA levels can
indicate prostate cancer. However, a high PSA test result does not necessarily mean cancer because
other prostate conditions can also raise PSA levels.
Digital rectal examination (DRE)
A doctor can feel the size and shape of the prostate gland by inserting a gloved, lubricated finger
into the patient’s rectum. Sometimes a prostate cancer can be felt this way, but a normal DRE result
does not necessarily rule out prostate cancer.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
An MRI is a scan to assess the size of the prostate and look for any abnormal areas. It is performed
as an outpatient procedure (you do not need to be admitted to a hospital). You will lie on a special bed
that passes through a narrow tunnel while the scans are being taken. If you have issues with
claustrophobia, you may require sedation for this scan. If you have any metallic implants (e.g. screws
or plates) in your body or medical devices (e.g. pacemaker, cochlear implant), or if you have had joint
surgery, it is important that you tell your doctor.
Biopsy
A biopsy is a procedure where a needle is used to remove multiple small samples of tissue from
the prostate gland. The samples are sent to a laboratory to be examined. This shows whether the cells
in the prostate are malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous).
A biopsy is the only way a definitive diagnosis of prostate cancer can be made.
Treatment
There are many different treatments available for prostate cancer. The type of treatment given will
depend on your PSA result, the grade and stage of your cancer (how fast it is growing and how far it
has spread outside of the prostate), your symptoms, your overall health and your personal preferences.
If there is a low risk that your prostate cancer will cause you harm, you may be offered Active
Surveillance. This involves regular testing to check for any changes to the cancer. If the cancer
changes, you may need treatment.
If your cancer is higher risk, you will be offered treatment. Different treatments come with
differing side effects some of which include urinary problems, erection and ejaculation problems,
bowel problems, fatigue, depression and anxiety.
You may need to meet with several different cancer specialists such as a urologist, radiation
oncologist and/or medical oncologist to discuss your treatment options.
Source: Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia