What do I need to know about prostate cancer?
The Murray Bridge Day and Night Surgery encourage men to keep up to date for prostate awareness month.
This sponsored story is brought to you by Murray Bridge Day and Night Surgery.
Ten Australian men will lose their battle with prostate cancer today.
It is estimated that more than 25,400 males were diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2023, with the average age being 70 years old.
As September marks the start of Prostate Awareness Month, the Murray Bridge Day and Night Surgery is asking local men to keep up to date with their health.
Doctor Farooq Ahmad explained that the prostate is an important organ in the male reproductive system.
The most common test to detect abnormalities is the prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test.
The PSA test is used to detect an increased risk of prostate cancer.
It is a good idea to start a conversation with your doctor about prostate-specific antigen testing when you are 50.
But if you have symptoms or come from a family with a history of prostate cancer, it’s best to talk to your doctor sooner, around 40.
Men over this age should be getting an examination every two years, depending on their risk factors, Dr Ahmad says.
"The men in the Murray Bridge community are great at coming and checking in when they have concerns about their prostate," he says.
Symptoms can include difficulty passing urine, a slow, interrupted flow of urine, frequent passing of urine, including at night, incontinence, blood in urine, pain during urination and/or lower back or pelvic pain.
"Patients usually come in with the symptoms of a weak and unusual stream of urine, and a remaining feeling of fullness in the bladder," Dr Ahmad says.
"When they come with a complaint we start with the basic investigations and if we find anything serious then we reference the patient to a urologist."
Compared with other cancers, prostate cancer has one of the highest five-year survival rates if it is diagnosed early.
Family history is a very important factor to consider, especially with close relatives such as grandfathers, fathers and brothers.
Did you know prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian men with 20,000 diagnoses and close to 3300 deaths each year?
"If someone has issues, especially when over 70, we should not ignore it," Dr Ahmad says.
"Weight management, exercise, diet, no smoking and limits on alcohol can help keep the prostate healthy."
"Early diagnosis ... has fantastic outcomes."
- Book a health check: Visit Murray Bridge Day and Night Surgery at 35-37 Adelaide Road, Murray Bridge between 8am and 9pm on weekdays, call 8531 2988 or visit www.murraybridgemedical.com.au; or, in the case of an emergency, call 000.
- More information: cancer.org.au
Advertising to more than 20,000 highly engaged locals can do wonders for your business. Call Murray Bridge News’ Jane Intini on 0418 835 768 or email jane@murraybridge.news.
Peri Strathearn
