Prostate Cancer: Take Charge of Your Health

Why Prostate Health Matters

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Australian men, with 1 in 5 Aussie men being diagnosed during their lifetime. When doctors find prostate cancer early, the survival rate is 96%.

Talking with your doctor about prostate health may help protect your quality of life.
This prostate cancer awareness page explains the signs, tests, and scans that may help.
Our expert imaging team is here to look after you.

We use medical imaging to help detect prostate cancer. This includes Prostate MRI and prostate ultrasound.

Cancer Council Fact Sheet

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.

Detecting Prostate Cancer Early

Early finding matters. If your PSA level is high, your doctor may suggest more tests. These may include medical imaging or a digital rectal exam (DRE) by a urologist.

man talking to his doctor about his symptoms of prostate cancer

Common Symptoms of Prostate Problems

Changes in urine habits are often the first sign of a problem.

Symptoms may include:

A weak urine flow or trouble starting and stopping
Getting up several times at night to urinate
Pain or burning when you pass urine
Blood in your urine or semen
Ongoing pelvic discomfort

These signs do not always mean prostate cancer. They may also point to BPH or another issue. If you notice changes, talk with your doctor.

What is the Prostate?

The prostate is a small gland. It sits below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine.
As men age, the prostate can change. This can lead to an enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Diagnosis Pathway

1. Initial Tests

Midstream Urine Test

Used to diagnose prostatitis
Important step to determine if PSA levels or symptoms can be attributed to prostatitis

2. Diagnostic Tests

Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)

A quick check where your doctor feels the prostate through the rectum.
It helps check the size and feel of the gland.

3. Scans after Diagnosis

PSMA-PET/CT

Used after diagnosis of prostate cancer to check if cancer has spread
Highly accurate, especially in patients with higher risk factors

Prostate Ultrasound

Uses sound waves to examine the prostate gland.
Detects nodules, enlargement, or other abnormalities.
Safe, non-invasive, and radiation-free.

Multi-Parametric MRI

Gives clear images of the prostate.
Helps find cancer cells.
It can sometimes avoid a biopsy if the scan is clear.
If a biopsy is needed, MRI helps guide the best sample.

CT Scan

Scan of abdomen, pelvis and bones
Used after diagnosis of prostate cancer to check if cancer has spread

Biopsy

Performed under general anaesthetic
Used to investigate lesions shown on MRI

Further Imaging

If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, you may need more medical imaging scans to:

Check if cancer cells have spread
Help plan the best treatment
Monitor how treatment is working
Give surgeons useful details

Why Testing 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does prostate cancer screening matter?

Early finding improves outcomes. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Australian men, and when doctors find it early, the survival rate is about 96%. Early stage prostate cancer often has no symptoms, so screening can give more treatment choices, fewer side effects, and a better quality of life.

What does a PSA test show, and does a high PSA always mean cancer?

A PSA test is a simple blood test that measures prostate specific antigen. PSA can rise for many prostate problems, not just cancer. A high result does not always mean prostate cancer. If your PSA is high, your doctor may suggest more tests, such as medical imaging and a digital rectal exam (DRE) by a urologist.

What symptoms should I watch for, and do they always mean prostate cancer?

Changes in urine habits are common early signs of prostate problems. Watch for a weak urine flow or trouble starting and stopping, getting up several times at night to urinate, pain or burning when you pass urine, blood in your urine or semen, and ongoing pelvic discomfort. These signs do not always mean cancer. They may be due to an enlarged prostate, BPH, or another issue. Talk with your doctor if you notice changes.

How do the main screening and assessment tools differ (PSA, MRI, DRE, ultrasound)?

PSA blood test: A first-step test that checks a protein linked to prostate problems. High results lead to more checks.
Multi-parametric MRI: Gives detailed images of the prostate to help find cancer and guide care. In some cases, a clear MRI can avoid a biopsy. If a biopsy is needed, MRI helps guide the best sample.
Digital rectal exam (DRE): A quick physical exam where a doctor feels the prostate through the rectum to check size and texture.
Prostate ultrasound: Uses sound waves to look for nodules, enlargement, or other issues. It is safe, non-invasive, and radiation-free.

When is further imaging needed after a prostate cancer diagnosis?

If you have prostate cancer, more medical imaging may be used to check if cancer has spread, help plan the best treatment, watch how treatment is working, and give key details for surgeons.

Prostate Support Links:

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.

Visit our website for more information on men’s imaging, CLICK HERE

THE PROSTATE

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).

RISK FACTORS

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.

PREVENTION

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.

SYMPTOMS

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.

DIAGNOSTIS

MANAGEMENT & TREATMENT

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.

STAGING

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.

HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

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.