Prostate health

 You and your prostate - publication title logo

Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in men after some types of skin cancer.  Nearly 18,700 Australian men are diagnosed with the disease every year and nearly 3,000 will die from it1.  In its early stages most men do not know that they have the condition as it may not present with many symptoms.  Prostate health is an important issue for men and one they should not over look.

In Australia:

  • Prostate cancer affects about 1 in 11 Australian men before the age of 75
  • Is rare before age 50, but is the most common cancer for men over 55 years of age
  • More than two-thirds (70%) of all new prostate cancers are in men over the age of 65
  • Approximately 50% of Australian men will experience some type of prostate problem during their lifetime. 2

Although prostate cancer is a common health problem in men as they age, the risk increases if there is a family history of the disease especially if a father or brother is affected by the condition.  Prostate cancer is also diagnosed in younger men.  It is important that men are tested for prostate cancer on a regular basis, in particular after the age of 40.  Early detection and treatment improves the chances of a cure.

To assist current and former members of the Australian Defence Force better understand prostate health the Department of Veterans’ Affairs produced the book You and Your Prostate (PDF 5.8 MB) (RTF version 506 KB).  You will find clear diagrams detailing the anatomy of the male reproductive organs, and urinary and prostatic symptoms.  This book also presents details for available support and assistance.

  1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). Australia's Health 2006. Canberra: AIHW 2006.
  2. NSW Government Health Centre for Genetics Education

You and Your Prostate Cover of You and Your Prostate

Table of Contents

  • Chapter 3 - Visiting Your Doctor (PDF 611Kb)
    Talking With Your Doctor
    Questions to Ask Your Doctor
    Common Myths
    Examination by a Doctor
    Digital Rectal Examination (DRE)
    Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)
    Referral to a Urologist
    Biopsy
    Other Types of Investigations
    Should Men Undergo Regular Screening to Detect Prostate Cancer?
  • Chapter 4 - Treating Benign Prostatic Enlargement (PDF 641 Kb)
    Lifestyle Changes
    Medication
    Surgery for Benign Prostatic Enlargement
    Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)
    Side Effects of a TURP
    Transurethral Incision of the Prostate (TUIP)
    Open Prostatectomy
    Other Treatment Options
    Transurethral Electro vaporisation (TVP)
    Laser Therapy
    Transurethral Radiofrequency Needle Ablation (TUNA)
    Transurethral Microwave Therapy (TUMT)
      
  • Chapter 5 - Treating Prostate Cancer (PDF 528Kb)
    Prostate Cancer Stage
    Prostate Cancer Grade
    Treatment Options for Localised Prostate Cancer
    Surveillance (Deferred Treatment or Watchful Waiting)
    Radical Prostatectomy
    Radiotherapy
    External Beam Radiotherapy (EBR)
    Brachytherapy
    Other Uses of Radiotherapy
    Managing Side Effects of Treatment
    Incontinence
    Erectile Dysfunction
    Treatment Options for Advanced Prostate Cancer
    Hormone Therapy
    Medication to Reduce Male Hormone Level
    Surgery to Reduce Male Hormone Level
    Chemotherapy

Please Note: This publication may contain links or references to external web sites. Whilst reasonable care was taken to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, it is possible that over time these external sites have been modified, moved, or may no longer exist. View a full disclaimer regarding information on the DVA web site.

Additional Information

Andrology Australia - Prostate Problems

Cancer Council Queensland

Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia

Support Groups