Awareness and Statistics

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian men, with an increased risk if you’re over the age of 50 or have a family history.

Prostate cancer doesn’t discriminate, so at any age it’s important to be aware of any unusual changes in your body. In its early states, the disease may not produce significant or obvious symptoms, making diagnosis and early intervention difficult in some cases.

What Causes Prostate Cancer?

Risk factors of prostate cancer include:

• Age: Being over the age of 50 increases your chances of being diagnosed with prostate cancer
• Family history: If your father or brother has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, this increases your chance of developing it. If your family has the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene or has a strong family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer, this also increases your risk
• Poor Diet/Obesity: A diet high in fats and low in fresh fruits and vegetables increases your chances of prostate cancer
• Race: Males of African descent are at higher risk.

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Symptoms of prostate cancer include:

• Frequent urination
• Urgent and sudden need to urinate
• Difficulty in urinating
• Weaker than normal stream
• Painful ejaculation
• Blood in urine or semen
• Erectile dysfunction.