What is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in Australia, with 70 Australian men diagnosed each day. Around 5,300 Victorian men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year.
Prostate cancer happens when abnormal cells develop and grow in the prostate. These abnormal cells can continue to multiply in an uncontrolled way and sometimes spread outside the prostate into nearby or distant parts of the body.
Prostate cancer is unique among cancers – we have not yet found a way of preventing it, and we do not know what causes it.
The risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age. There is also a link to family history. If your father or brother have ever been diagnosed with prostate cancer, you have twice the average risk of developing the disease.
What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?
When prostate cancer first develops, there may be no symptoms. In later stages, symptoms may include frequent urination, difficulty or pain when urinating, blood in the urine or semen, unexplained weight loss, and body aches.
These symptoms could be caused by a range of factors, and do not always mean you have prostate cancer. If you develop any of the symptoms above, see your doctor straight away.
For further information, visit the Better Health Channel .
Arthur and Nigel’s story
Arthur Pearce and Nigel McBride – members of the Latrobe Valley Prostate Cancer Support Group – prove that age is just a number. Their resilience and determination inspires others to stay active and face life’s challenges.
At 96, Arthur is the group’s oldest member and an avid golfer. Arthur has his sights set on becoming the oldest member of the Yallourn Golf Club, eagerly awaiting its 100th anniversary in 2026.
"Staying active keeps me young at heart. There's no stopping when you have a passion for life," Arthur says.
Nigel is a dedicated runner. He faced a double whammy when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and Achilles tendinitis at 52.
Undeterred, he plans to document his journey from diagnosis to running the Melbourne Marathon in October, raising funds for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA).
"Every step I take shows my healing and the strength within us all," Nigel says.
For more information, to find a local support group, or speak with a Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse, call 1800 22 00 99 or go to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia website .
How you can help
The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) encourages all Australians to get active in the fight against prostate cancer, urging men and women to advocate, donate, and discuss the disease.
This September, PCFA is hosting The Long , Australia’s largest online event in support of families facing the disease.
For expert information, detailed advice, support and resources on prostate cancer, visit the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia website .
Reviewed 15 September 2024