Prostate Cancer: Take Charge of Your Health
Why Prostate Health Matters
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, and prostate ultrasound
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?
Detecting Prostate Cancer Early
Early detection 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.
Diagnosis Process
Initial Tests
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Test
- A simple blood test that checks PSA levels.
- PSA can rise because of prostate problems.
- A high PSA does not always mean prostate cancer.
- It is still an important first step.
Midstream Urine Test
- Used to diagnose prostatitis
- Important step to determine if PSA levels or symptoms can be attributed to prostatitis
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.
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.
Prostate Ultrasound
- Uses sound waves to look at the prostate.
- Detects nodules, enlargement, or other issues.
- It is safe, non-invasive, and radiation-free.
Biopsy
- Performed under general anaesthetic
- Used to investigate lesions shown on MRI
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
CT Scan
- Scan of abdomen, pelvis and bones
- Used after diagnosis of prostate cancer to check if cancer has spread
Further Imaging
- 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
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
