September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia aims to raise public awareness about prostate health and prostate cancer.
Prostate Cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in Australian men. It mainly affects men over the age of 50, and the risk increases as you get older. (Being under 50, your risk is lower, but it is still possible.)
Compared with other cancers, prostate cancer has one of the highest five-year survival rates (95%) if it is diagnosed early. (Source: Cancer.org.au)
Symptoms
Whilst in the early stages of prostate cancer, there may not be any signs or symptoms. Symptoms during the later stages include:
- Trouble or pain while urinating
- Frequent urination
- Decreased force (weak stream) of urination
- Difficulty starting or stopping urine stream
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Pain or discomfort in the pelvic area or back
- Bone Pain
- Weakness or numbness in the legs or feet
- Tiredness, shortness of breath, dizziness, fast heartbeat or pale skin.
Causes
There are some factors that can increase your risk of prostate cancer.
- Age – your risk increases over the age of 50
- Family history of prostate, breast or ovarian cancer
- A direct male relative, (father/brother) diagnosed with prostate cancer before the age of 60.
This September, help increase the awareness of prostate cancer and support Australian men with prostate cancer and their families, by donating here – https://www.prostate.org.au/donate/