The following answers some common questions about prostate problems. Many people find that knowing about their illness is helpful. It is not a substitute for talking to your doctors or nurses. Please use it as a guide to questions you may want to ask.
How do I know if I have a prostate problem?
What are the treatments for prostate problems and prostate cancer?
Should I have a regular check-up—even if I don't have symptoms?
The prostate is a sex gland found in men. In an adult male it is normally about the size of a walnut. It sits under the bladder, at the base of the penis and just in front of the back passage (the rectum).
It is common to have some problems with your prostate as you get older (over 50).
You probably have some problems in passing urine. You may have some or all of these changes:
If you have any of these problems, see your doctor about them. Don't just accept them as part of getting older—the right treatment can help you.
In 90% of cases, when prostate problems occur it is because the prostate has become enlarged. This enlargement squeezes the urethra. This problem is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and is caused by hormone changes in the prostate. This affects about half of all men over 50 and is not cancer.
Sometimes the swelling of the prostate can be caused by an infection called prostatitis, which has similar symptoms to BPH. This problem tends to affect younger men.
Fewer than one man in 10 with prostate problems will have prostate cancer.
Remember—most prostate problems are not cancer, and most can be treated.
First of all, the doctor needs to find out what is causing the problem. This will require some tests, which include:
The doctor inserts a gloved finger into your back passage (rectum) to feel the size, shape and texture of your prostate.
This is a blood test to look for PSA, which is produced by the prostate. If there is a high level in your blood, you may have prostate cancer, but the doctor needs to do more tests to be sure. More on PSA
If your PSA test or digital rectal examination is abnormal your doctor may refer you to a specialist (urologist). The urologist may recommend a biopsy, which involves an ultrasound probe being placed in the rectum to find abnormal areas of the prostate. More on biopsies
This depends on what your problem is and how severe it is. Your doctor will advise what they think is the best course of action for your situation. If you have an enlarged prostate this doesn't mean you are more likely to get prostate cancer.
Caused by hormone changes in the prostate, BPH affects about half of all men over the age of 50. It causes the prostate to swell. BPH can be treated by medication or surgery. Laser and microwave treatments may also be used.
Medicines can change the hormone levels, or can relax or shrink the prostate so that it doesn't press on the urethra. You may need to take the medicines for some months before your symptoms improve. You will need to keep taking them until the symptoms are under control, and have checkups with your doctor.
Surgery may be used to remove part of the prostate, to stop it squeezing the urethra. Laser and microwave treatments may also be used.
BPH is not cancer.
Mainly affecting younger men, prostatitis causes a swelling of the prostate resulting in similar symptoms to BPH. Prostatitis is caused by an infection.
Prostatitis is usually treated with antibiotics. You may need to take the antibiotics for several months. Some men may also need surgery to stop the swollen prostate from pressing on the urethra.
Prostatitis is not cancer.
Prostate cancer provides more information on diagnosis, treatment and side effects of prostate cancer treatment.
Making an informed decision about testing for prostate cancer is a wise and practical course of action.
For some years now, there has been a lively and sometimes complex debate about the issue of testing for prostate cancer. Some people believe all men over a certain age should be regularly tested. Others believe it should be a matter of individual choice based on a man's informed consent.
Our view is that men should find out all the information they need about testing. Consider the issues. Talk to our counsellors at the Cancer Helpline on 13 11 20. Read our information booklets on prostate cancer issues and treatment. Visit the prostate cancer website at www.prostatehealth.org.au/. Speak to men who have had prostate cancer. Talk to your doctor.
There are many resources available and we are happy to help you find the information you need.
At the moment, we are not advocating routine testing for prostate cancer because there is no reliable evidence at this stage that this prevents men from dying from prostate cancer. Nor can we be sure that routine testing is not effective, so we don't advise against testing either. There is a great deal of research underway that may answer these questions in time.
It's a decision for you to make up your mind about. All that we suggest is that you get the best information you can.
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