It’s something Australian men don’t like to talk about, or even think about.
But with 26,368 men expected to be diagnosed with prostate cancer in Australia this year, it’s something we should all be aware of.
The Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand (USANZ) warns that two widespread misconceptions could cost men their lives.
These myths are:
“Many men believe they need to have urinary symptoms to worry about prostate cancer,” said Associate Professor Weranja Ranasinghe, deputy leader of USANZ’s GU-Oncology Special Advisory Group.
“The reality is that most prostate cancers develop without any symptoms. Urinary symptoms are unreliable: Most of these symptoms are caused by a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate, but advanced cancer can also cause urinary symptoms. So it’s important to get yourself checked.”
Assoc Prof Ranasinghe said the outdated belief that prostate cancer testing requires an invasive rectal exam was also a barrier.
“This is a common fear among men, but it is no longer necessary for initial prostate cancer screening,” he said.
“A simple PSA (prostate specific antigen) blood test, combined with advanced imaging such as MRI, is now the standard approach.
“Many men avoid exams because of this outdated fear, but in the family doctor setting, a rectal exam is not currently required to detect prostate cancer.”
Data shows that men with a family history of prostate cancer are at higher risk and need to be especially vigilant. If a close relative has had cancer, the risk increases significantly, in some cases up to five times higher.
“What is less known is the connection between breast cancer genes (BRCA1 AND BRCA2) and prostate cancer,” said Assoc Prof Ranasinghe.
