September is International Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, a time to spotlight the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Australian men.
The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) is calling on Australians to get moving for men’s health with The Long Run – a month-long challenge to run, walk, or ride 72km in September. The 72km target represents the number of men diagnosed with prostate cancer each day in Australia. Sign up before September 1 and receive a free Long Run t-shirt.
Prostate cancer affects thousands of Australians annually. Each year, over 26,000 men are diagnosed, roughly one every 20 minutes, and around 11 men die daily from the disease. In fact, 1 in 5 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. While the risk rises with age, younger men can be affected too. In 2024 men predicted to be diagnosed with prostate cancer:
- Under 49: 416 men (1.8%)
- 50–59: 3,233 men (12.3%)
- 60–69: 9,559 men (36.6%)
- 70–79: 9,584 men (36.3%)
- 80+: 3,572 men (13.6%)
The good news? Early detection saves lives. Most prostate cancers grow slowly, and survival chances are excellent when caught early.
Know Your Risk
Anyone with a prostate – including transgender women, male-assigned non-binary, or intersex people – can develop prostate cancer. Risk factors include:
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Age, particularly over 50
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Family history of the disease
Early detection is crucial. Watch for symptoms such as:
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Frequent urination or poor urine flow
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Dribbling or slow start to urination
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Feeling unable to fully empty your bladder
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Blood in semen or urine
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Pain during urination or ejaculation
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Back or pelvic pain
Understanding your family history and considering PSA testing from ages 40–45 can make a life-saving difference. PSA, or prostate-specific antigen, is a protein produced by the prostate. Elevated levels may indicate prostate issues, including cancer. PSA testing is quick, painless, and available through your doctor. Discuss your personal risk factors to determine if testing is appropriate.
Supporting Others
Knowing the risks and testing options allows you to support friends or family facing the disease. You don’t need to be a medical expert – simply encouraging a mate to talk to a specialist or get tested could save his life.
For guidance, support, or information, PCFA offers counselling services and support groups nationwide. Call 1800 22 00 99 or email [email protected]. For detailed advice, download the Prostate Cancer Facts Sheets from the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.