Spotlight on Prostate Health

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in Australia, excluding
skin cancer. As men age, it's crucial to be aware of this disease, recognise its
signs and symptoms, and understand the steps to take if any concerns arise.
Early detection can significantly improve treatment success and lead to better
long-term health outcomes.

Common signs and symptoms to watch out for include:

• Difficulty starting or stopping, or a weak urine stream
• Needing to wee frequently or urgently, especially at night
• Pain or burning sensation, or blood in the urine
• Pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis, or weak legs or feet

Some of these symptoms can be caused by less serious, non-cancerous
conditions, but it’s always a good idea to talk to your GP if you notice any
changes. Regular check-ups and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests can
help detect prostate cancer early, even before symptoms appear.

If prostate cancer is diagnosed early, the success rates are high, and around
95% of men diagnosed with localised prostate cancer survive at least five years
after diagnosis, and many live much longer with a good quality of life.

It can be confronting to think about serious health issues, and most of us would
like to think ‘it can’t happen to me’. So, staying informed, noticing changes in
your body, and having regular discussions with your doctor are key to early
detection and successful treatment.

Our ongoing clinical assessments are done to help you identify if your health has changed, and to direct your budget toward services and supports that maintain or improve your overall health and wellbeing.

You can also use your budget for transport to medical appointments, so please get in touch with us to discuss your options.