Prostate cancer affects the prostate gland, which is part of the male reproductive system. The prostate produces some of the fluid that makes up semen. Prostate cancer symptoms may include difficulties urinating, pain or a burning sensation when passing urine, urinating more frequently, blood in the urine or semen, and pain during ejaculation. Early prostate cancer usually causes no symptoms.
The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system. It produces some of the fluid that makes up semen.
Prostate cancer affects one in 11 Australian men and is common in the over-65 age group. Around 4,700 Victorian men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year. Many cases are not life-threatening because the cancer can be slow growing and usually occurs in older men.
Risks and causes of prostate cancer
The exact causes of prostate cancer are unknown. However, there are some risk factors we know about, including:
- getting older – more than half of all cases are diagnosed in men over 70 years of age
- family history – having a family history of prostate cancer. Your risk is increased if you have a father or brother who had prostate cancer. The risk becomes greater if they were diagnosed at an early age
- family history of breast cancer – having a strong family history of breast cancer
- obesity – having a waist circumference of 100 cm or greater could increase your risk.
Symptoms of prostate cancer
Early prostate cancer usually causes no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
- difficulties starting and stopping urination
- pain or a burning sensation when passing urine
- urinating more often than usual, particularly at night
- the feeling that the bladder can’t be fully emptied
- dribbling urine
- blood in the urine or semen
- pain during ejaculation.
Diagnosis of prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is diagnosed using a number of tests, which may include:
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test – the prostate makes a protein called PSA. Large quantities of PSA in the blood can indicate prostate cancer or other prostate problems.
- Digital rectal examination – using a gloved finger in the rectum, the doctor feels for enlargement and irregularities of the prostate.
- Biopsy – six to 12 tissue samples are taken from the prostate and examined in a laboratory for the presence of cancer cells.
Test results can take a few days to come back. It is very natural to feel anxious while waiting to get your results. It can help to talk to a close friend or relative about how you are feeling. You can also contact the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20 and speak with a cancer nurse.
Treatment for prostate cancer
Prostate cancer treatment depends on a range of factors such as the man’s age, physical condition, the stage of his prostate cancer and his personal preference. Prostate cancer can be treated in a variety of ways, so carefully discuss treatment options with your doctor.
Treatment may include:
- Watchful waiting – sometimes your doctor will advise you that treatment is not needed. However, you will still need to be examined and have PSA tests regularly to monitor any changes. This is usually for older men (over 70) with a slow-growing cancer. This is because older patients with slowly growing cancer are more likely to die of something other than prostate cancer. If the cancer begins to grow too fast or you develop symptoms, then your doctor will discuss treatment to help control your symptoms.
- Active surveillance – means regular PSA tests and repeat biopsies. This is sometimes offered to younger men with a very early-stage prostate cancer. It involves very close monitoring with early treatment for men with evidence that their disease is progressing.
- Surgery – removal of the prostate is called a radical prostatectomy. The operation can be performed by open surgery (the traditional way), or by a ‘keyhole’ (laparoscopic) approach. You can also have a newer type of keyhole surgery called ‘robotic surgery’. This is only available in some cancer centres where they have surgeons trained to perform this technique. Depending on whether the surgery is open or ‘keyhole’, the hospital stay is between one and 10 days. Recovery can take up to six weeks.
- Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) – if the prostate can’t be removed, TURP surgery may be performed to remove blockages in the prostate to relieve urination problems.
- External radiotherapy – x-rays are used to target and destroy cancer cells. Treatment usually lasts a few weeks, although this depends on the cancer and the person’s general health.
- Internal radiotherapy (brachytherapy) – a radioactive implant is placed inside the prostate to target cancer cells. The implant may be temporary or permanent.
- Hormone therapy – is often an option for men whose cancer has spread beyond the prostate. Prostate cancer relies on the hormone testosterone for growth. Hormone therapy reduces testosterone levels and ‘starves’ the tumour. Hormone therapy is given either by medication (tablets) or hormone injections. Sometimes, surgical removal of the testes (orchidectomy) is suggested, which has the same effect.
- Complementary and alternative therapies – it’s common for people with cancer to seek out complementary or alternative treatments. When used alongside your conventional cancer treatment, some of these therapies can make you feel better and improve quality of life. Others may not be so helpful and in some cases may be harmful. The Cancer Council Victoria booklet called Understanding complementary therapies can be a useful resource.
Side effects of prostate cancer treatment
The side effects of treatment vary depending on several factors, and they can be distressing. You should talk through options and concerns with your doctor before deciding which treatment to use for your prostate cancer.
Some common side effects of types of treatment include:
- Surgery – many men will have temporary urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control). Almost all men will have a change to their sexual function and most men will have erectile dysfunction (impotence).
- Radiotherapy – a small number of men will have bowel problems. Between 40 and 80 per cent of men who have radiotherapy will experience immediate or delayed erectile dysfunction.
- Brachytherapy – erectile dysfunction and bowel problems can occur. Some men may experience painful urination and irritation of the bladder for several months after therapy. Urinary incontinence is not usually a problem.
- Hormone therapy – side effects may include erectile dysfunction, tiredness, mood changes, hot flushes and loss of sex drive.
Research into prostate cancer
Early detection and better treatment have improved survival for people with prostate cancer. The research is ongoing. The CancerHelp UK website has information about research into prostate cancer.
Clinical trials can test the effectiveness of promising new treatments or new ways of combining cancer treatments. Always discuss treatment options with your doctor.
Sexuality and prostate cancer
Most treatments for prostate cancer cause side effects that can affect your sex life, some more than others. This can have a huge effect on a man’s mood, self-esteem and body image. It is important to discuss your concerns with your specialist before treatment starts, so that you are aware of any potential problems.
If you are having problems with your sex life after your treatment is over, ask your doctor or nurse for help. If you have a partner, it also helps to be as open as possible with them about how you are feeling. The Cancer Council Victoria booklet called Sexuality, intimacy and cancer may be helpful to read.
Caring for someone with prostate cancer
Caring for someone with cancer can be a difficult and emotional time. If you or someone you know is caring for someone with prostate cancer, there is support available. The Cancer Council Victoria booklet called Caring for someone with cancer may also be helpful to read.
When a cure for your prostate cancer isn’t possible
If the cancer has spread and it is not possible to cure it with surgery, your doctor may still recommend treatment that focuses on improving quality of life by relieving the symptoms (this is called palliative treatment). Medications can be used to relieve pain, nausea and vomiting. The Cancer Council Victoria booklet called Living with advanced cancer may be helpful to read.
Where to get help
- Your local doctor
- Urology specialist
- Urology or continence nurse
- Cancer Council Helpline, which can link you to prostate cancer support groups Tel. 13 11 20
- Continence Foundation of Australia Tel. 1800 33 00 66
- Multilingual Cancer Information Line, Victoria Tel. 13 14 50
Things to remember
- Prostate cancer affects one in 11 Australian men and is most common in men over 65.
- Prostate cancer can be treated in a variety of ways, including watchful waiting, surgery, radiotherapy and hormone therapy.
- Possible side effects of treatment include incontinence and impotence – treatment options should be discussed with your doctor.
You might also be interested in:
- Cancer - exercise to help you cope.
- Cancer and food.
- Cancer and heredity.
- Cancer pain management.
- Cancer screening.
- Cancer treatments - chemotherapy.
- Cancer treatments - radiotherapy.
- Erectile dysfunction.
- Men's health.
- Palliative care for adults with a life-threatening condition.
- Prostate cancer testing.
- Prostate disease.
- Prostatectomy - for cancer.
- Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) - for benign prostate disease.
Want to know more?
Go to More information for support groups, related links and references.
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
(Logo links to further information)
The Cancer Council Victoria
Last reviewed: November 2013
Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residents and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that, over time, currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.
Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your qualified health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residence and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a qualified health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.
For the latest updates and more information, visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
Copyight © 1999/2014 State of Victoria. Reproduced from the Better Health Channel (www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au) at no cost with permission of the Victorian Minister for Health. Unauthorised reproduction and other uses comprised in the copyright are prohibited without permission.