Why Prostate Health Matters
Take charge of your health
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian men. The good news is that when doctors find prostate cancer early, the survival rate is 96%.
Talking to your doctor about prostate health could protect your quality of life.
Our expert radiology team is here to look after you with highly effective medical imaging examinations that detect prostate cancer including Prostate MRI, Prostate PSMA PET and Prostate Ultrasound.
Early detection could save your life!
We encourage men to stay proactive about their health, annual check-ups and screenings can lead to early diagnosis and a better prognosis.
Prostate cancer is treatable, especially when caught in the early stages.
What is the prostate?
The prostate gland is a small organ, located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum.
The prostate surrounds the tube that carries urine, called the urethra. As men age, the prostate can change. This can lead to problems like an enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Common symptoms of prostate problems
Changes in urinary habits are often the first sign of an issue. Symptoms may include:
- A weak flow of urine or difficulty starting/stopping
- Getting up several times at night to urinate
- Pain or burning when passing urine
- Blood in urine or semen
- Ongoing pelvic discomfort
These symptoms do not always mean you have prostate cancer. However, they may suggest BPH or another condition. If you notice changes, talk to your doctor.
Detecting prostate cancer early
Early detection makes a difference. If your prostate specific antigen (PSA) level is elevated, your doctor may suggest further investigation including medical imaging or a Digital Rectum Exam (DRE) performed by a urologist.
Medical Imaging for Prostate Cancer
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Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Test
A simple blood test that measures PSA level, which may rise because of prostate conditions. While high PSA doesn’t always mean cancer, it’s an important first step in detecting prostate cancer.
Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
A quick physical check where your doctor feels the front of the rectum to assess the size and texture of the prostate gland.
Multi-Parametric MRI
Provides detailed images of the prostate and helps identify cancer cells. Sometimes avoids the need for biopsy if results are convincingly clear. If doctors need a biopsy, MRI guides them to the most accurate sample
Prostate Ultrasound
Uses sound waves to examine the prostate gland.
Detects nodules, enlargement, or other abnormalities.
Safe, non-invasive, and radiation-free.
Further Imaging
If you’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer, you may require additional imaging such as PET-CT, CT, or Bone Scans to:
- Assess whether cancer cells have spread
- Guide doctors in planning the best treatments for prostate cancer
- Monitor effectiveness of treatment
- Provide information to surgeons
Why screening matters
Early detection allows for more treatment options, fewer side effects, and a better quality of life.
- Early stage prostate cancer often has no symptoms.
- A simple blood test and quick exam can offer peace of mind.
- If caught early, prostate cancer is highly treatable, and survival rates are very high.
Don’t wait until symptoms appear. Be proactive and talk to your doctor today.
Take the Next Step
If you are concerned about your prostate gland, pay attention to changes in your urine flow. If you have a high PSA level, it’s time to take action.
Book a prostate health check or scan today. Protect your future and your quality of life.
More information on prostate cancer diagnosis
Prostate cancer is often diagnosed through a combination of methods, including a digital rectal examination (DRE), a blood test called prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, and imaging tests such as ultrasound, MRI, or a biopsy, which involves collecting a tissue sample from the prostate gland for analysis.
Apex Radiology provides extensive and specialised services dedicated to the unique health care needs of men. Our sub-specialised Radiologists are highly skilled and experienced in men’s imaging and continue to develop their knowledge through supported professional development programs. They work closely with referring practitioners to provide each patient with expert, safe, accurate and individualised care.
The prostate is a small gland about the size of a walnut. It forms part of the male reproductive system. The prostate sits below the bladder and in front of the rectum (the end section of the large bowel). A pair of glands called the seminal vesicles attach to the back of the prostate. The prostate is close to nerves, blood vessels, and muscles that help control erections and urination (the pelvic floor muscles and urinary sphincter).
The exact cause of prostate cancer is not known. Things that can increase the risk of developing prostate cancer include:
- older age – over 90% of people diagnosed with prostate cancer are aged 55 and over 4
- family history of prostate cancer (see below) – if your father or brother has had prostate cancer before the age of 60, your risk will be at least twice that of others
- strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer – particularly cancer caused by a fault in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes
- race – people of African-American descent have a higher risk.
While prostate cancer is less common if you are under 55, people aged 40–55 may have a higher than average risk of developing prostate cancer later in life if their prostate specific antigen (PSA) test results are higher than the typical range for their age.
While there is no surefire way to prevent prostate cancer, certain lifestyle factors may reduce the risk. These include maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, and discussing the potential benefits and risks of PSA testing with a healthcare provider.
Remember that any concerns about prostate health or potential symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare professional. If prostate cancer is suspected, early detection and appropriate management can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment.
In its early stages, prostate cancer might not cause noticeable symptoms. As the cancer progresses, symptoms might include frequent urination, difficulty starting and stopping urination, weak or interrupted flow of urine, blood in the urine or semen, pain or discomfort during urination or ejaculation, and pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis.
Prostate cancer is often diagnosed through a combination of methods, including a digital rectal examination (DRE), a blood test called prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, and imaging tests such as ultrasound, MRI, or a biopsy, which involves collecting a tissue sample from the prostate gland for analysis.
There are different options for managing and treating prostate cancer, and more than one treatment may be suitable for you. Your specialists will let you know your options. The treatment recommended by your doctors will depend on the stage and grade of the prostate cancer as well as your general health, age and preferences.
If prostate cancer is diagnosed, it is staged to determine the extent of its spread. Staging helps guide treatment decisions. Stages range from I to IV, with higher stages indicating more advanced cancer.
Your GP will arrange the first tests to assess your symptoms. If these tests do not rule out cancer, you will usually be referred to a specialist, who will arrange further tests.
Prostate cancer is usually diagnosed by a urologist, who will talk to you about your surgical options. You will usually also see a radiation oncologist to discuss radiation therapy and you may be referred to a medical oncologist who will discuss drug treatments.
Prostate Cancer Support
