Prostate cancer awareness: when men should get checked

Every year in Australia, around 24,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer — making it the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the country. That's more than one diagnosis every 20 minutes. Despite these numbers, prostate cancer often flies under the radar. Many men feel perfectly well and have no idea anything is wrong. The good news is that when prostate cancer is detected early, treatment outcomes are generally much better. So if you're a man over 50 — or you have a family history of prostate cancer — this is worth reading.

What is the prostate and why does it matter?

The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland that sits just below the bladder in men. It plays a role in producing fluid that forms part of semen. For most of a man's life, the prostate quietly gets on with its job without causing any trouble. But as men age, the prostate can change — it may enlarge (a very common and usually benign condition called BPH, or benign prostatic hyperplasia), or in some cases, cancerous cells can begin to grow. Prostate cancer typically grows slowly, which is partly why it can be so hard to detect without testing. Early-stage prostate cancer rarely causes noticeable symptoms.

Who is at risk?

Prostate cancer can affect any man, but certain factors increase the likelihood of developing it. Understanding your personal risk level is one of the most important conversations you can have with your GP.

• Age: The risk increases significantly after age 50. Most prostate cancers are diagnosed in men aged 60 and over.
• Family history: If your father, brother, or other close male relatives have had prostate cancer, your risk may be two to three times higher than average.
• Ethnicity: Men of African or Caribbean descent have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer.
• Gene mutations: Inherited gene changes such as BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations (also associated with breast cancer in women) can increase prostate cancer risk in men.
• Lifestyle factors: Obesity and a diet high in saturated fat have been associated with more aggressive forms of prostate cancer, though research in this area is ongoing.

What are the symptoms — and why you can't rely on them alone

Here's the tricky part: early prostate cancer often has no symptoms at all. By the time symptoms appear, the cancer may have progressed. That said, there are some signs that warrant a visit to your GP, even if they turn out to be caused by something entirely benign like BPH.

• Needing to urinate more frequently, especially at night
• Difficulty starting or stopping the flow of urine
• A weak or interrupted urine stream
• A feeling that your bladder hasn't fully emptied
• Pain or burning during urination
• Blood in the urine or semen
• Persistent pain in the lower back, hips or pelvis

If any of these sound familiar, please don't ignore them. While they're more likely to be related to a benign prostate condition than cancer, they deserve proper attention. And if you have no symptoms but fall into a higher-risk category, that's precisely why routine checking matters — because you might feel completely fine and still be at risk.

What does a prostate check actually involve?

One reason many men avoid getting checked is uncertainty about what the process involves. The reality is far more straightforward than most people fear. A prostate check typically begins with a blood test called a PSA test.

PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen — a protein produced by the prostate gland. Elevated PSA levels in the blood can indicate prostate cancer, though they can also be raised for other reasons, such as a benign enlarged prostate, infection, or even recent physical activity. The PSA test is not a definitive cancer test, but it's a useful starting point that can prompt further investigation when needed. Your GP will discuss what your results mean in the context of your overall health and risk profile.

Your doctor may also recommend a digital rectal examination (DRE), where the GP gently examines the prostate through the rectum to check for any irregularities in size, shape, or texture. It takes only a minute or two and, while not the most comfortable experience, it provides valuable clinical information. If your GP has any concerns following these initial checks, they may refer you to a urologist for further assessment, which might include an MRI scan or a biopsy.

Walk for Him — raising awareness and funds for prostate cancer

Across Australia, communities are coming together to support men affected by prostate cancer through Walk for Him, a meaningful fundraising initiative that raises money for prostate cancer research, awareness, and support services. Whether you walk in memory of someone, in support of a loved one currently going through treatment, or simply to take a stand for men's health, participating in events like Walk for Him sends a powerful message: men's health matters, and it's worth talking about.

You can learn more about Walk for Him and find events near you at walkforhim.org.au. Getting involved is a wonderful way to raise awareness in your community — and it just might prompt the men in your life to have that long-overdue conversation with their doctor.

Practical steps you can take right now

Men are notoriously reluctant to visit the doctor, particularly when they're feeling well. But prostate cancer is a powerful reminder that feeling healthy and being healthy aren't always the same thing. Here are some practical things you can do today.

• Know your age and family history, and use that information to have an informed chat with your GP about when to start checking.
• Don't wait for symptoms. Discuss prostate cancer screening proactively, especially if you're 50 or older.
• If you have a partner, son, brother, or friend who hasn't seen a GP in a while, encourage them. Sometimes a gentle nudge from someone close is all it takes.
• Ask your GP about your overall men's health checks — prostate is just one part of the picture. Blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes risk, mental health and bowel cancer screening are all worth discussing at the same visit.
• Visit walkforhim.org.au to find out more about the campaign and how you can get involved in your local community.

Prostate cancer is common, but it's also one of the more treatable cancers when caught early. The single most important thing any man can do is have a conversation — with his GP, with his family, and with himself. There's no bravery in avoiding the doctor. The real courage is in showing up.