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August 23, 2024

Turning Australia Blue for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in September

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, with an estimated 26,368 men likely to be diagnosed in 2024. It is the second most common cause of death from cancer after lung cancer, accounting for around 13% of cancer-related deaths in men.

Nearly 72 Australian men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every day, with 1 in 5 at risk of being diagnosed by the time they turn 85.

Who is at risk?

The risk of being diagnosed increases with age. According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia men predicted to be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2024 are:

  • 416 (1.8%) will be under 49
  • 3,233 (12.3%) will be 50-59
  • 9,559 (36.6%) will be 60-69
  • 9,584 (36.3%) will be 70-69
  • 3,572 (13.6%) will be over 80

The good news is that early detection and diagnosis saves lives. Most prostate cancers are slow-growing, and if picked up early survival chances are excellent.

Your Health

It is important to know your risk factors for developing prostate cancer. Anyone with a prostate can get prostate cancer, including transgender women, male-assigned non-binary people or intersex people.

You carry a greater risk if you are:

  1. Older, notably past 50 years
  2. Have a family history of the disease

Early detection and treatment remain crucial for reducing death rates and increasing the chances of survival.

Be on the lookout for:

  • Urinating more than usual
  • Poor urine flow
  • Dribbling at the end of passing urine
  • Slow to start the urine flow
  • Feeling like you can’t fully empty your bladder
  • Blood in the semen or urine – never ignore this symptom
  • Pain on urination or ejaculation
  • Back or pelvic pain

Taking action

Understand your family history and consider starting PSA testing between the age of 40-45.

Did you know?

PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen. PSA is a protein made in the prostate, a walnut-sized gland that sits below the bladder. Some PSA enters the blood from the prostate. From the age of 40, it is normal for the prostate to grow larger and produce more PSA. PSA testing measures how much PSA your prostate is making and if there is something going on with your prostate that needs checking out further.

A PSA test can be provided by doctors. It’s best to discuss your individual risk factors with your doctor and discuss whether testing is appropriate. You can also talk to a Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia specialist.

How to help others

Understanding the risk of prostate cancer and knowing your options can help alleviate the stress of developing prostate cancer and set you up to also help a mate who is unsure of why, when, or where they should get checked.

A doctor or prostate cancer specialist can help you weigh up the pros and cons of having a PSA test.

Getting support for yourself, or giving support to a friend who is experiencing symptoms or having treatment is also important. You don’t have to be a medical expert, but encouraging your mate to talk to a specialist could save his life. The initial blood test is quick, easy and painless.

September is Prostate Awareness Month and an opportunity to learn more about the disease and how prostate cancer is diagnosed and treated.

Prostate Cancer Foundation Australia has a prostate cancer counselling service and support groups around Australia. Call 1800 22 00 99 or email [email protected] for more information.

Check out the Prostate Cancer Toolkit for expert information, detailed advice, support and resources.

PCFA’s The Long Run fundraiser continues throughout September and invites people to run, walk or ride 72kms in one month. The number was chosen to highlight the 72 men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer every day in Australia.

JOIN THE LONG RUN AND HELP MAKE PROSTATE CANCER HISTORY

 

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