Prostate cancer awareness month: What you should know
Hey, did you know that September is all about getting real about prostate cancer? It's Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and it's time to take a look at how prostate cancer impacts men in Australia and why awareness is key in the fight against this disease. The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia is rallying everyone to get involved, raise awareness, and help with fundraising efforts. Whether it's your dad, uncle, or best mate, this issue hits closer to home than you might think.
What is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among Aussie men, with a 1 in 5 chance[1] of developing the disease in their lifetime. According to Zurich’s Cost of Care report, over 25,487 new cases were expected to pop up in 2023, and it's responsible for around 3,743 deaths each year. Prostate cancer is sneaky, often showing no symptoms until it's too late, making regular screening and awareness crucial for early detection. It's also most likely to hit men over the age of 65, but younger men aren’t completely off the hook, especially if there's a family history[2] of the disease.
So, what increases your risk of getting prostate cancer? Well, age is the big one. The chance of developing prostate cancer increases significantly after age 50. Then there's family history—if your dad, brother, or even grandfather had prostate cancer, your risk doubles. Genetic factors also come into play; certain mutations in the genes that are linked to breast cancer in women can also raise the risk for prostate cancer in men.
Symptoms to watch out for
Early detection is key. Unfortunately, prostate cancer doesn’t always come with a neon sign pointing to it. In fact, some men won’t notice any symptoms until the cancer has spread. But here are a few red flags to keep an eye on:
Trouble urinating or needing to go more frequently
Blood in your urine or semen (yeah, definitely get that checked!)
Erectile dysfunction
Pain in the lower back, hips, or thighs
If you’ve got any of these going on, don’t brush it off. Schedule a chat with your GP.
Diagnosis and treatments are usually diagnosed with a combination of PSA blood tests, digital rectal exams, and in some cases, biopsies. While no one jumps for joy at the thought of a rectal exam, these methods are vital for early detection. If you catch it early, the 5-year survival rate[3] is a reassuring 95.6%.
New cancer diagnoses and 5-year survival rates by type:
Source: AIHW Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2023), Cancer data in Australia, 2023
As for treatment, it ranges from active surveillance (where the doctor just keeps a close watch on it) to more aggressive options like surgery or radiation therapy[4]. The recovery period after something like a radical prostatectomy is usually around 6 weeks, but it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The cost of treatment can set you back around $12,680 out of pocket on average.
Financial and emotional impact
Prostate cancer isn’t just a physical battle—it comes with financial and emotional hurdles too. Did you know that 1 in 4 men stop working after their diagnosis? That’s a huge hit to both mental health and the bank account. The average lifetime cost for someone with prostate cancer comes in at $42,130, and that doesn’t even account for extra out-of-pocket costs like medications, treatments, and follow-ups. Plus, even with Medicare and private health insurance, up to 90% of patients undergoing surgery for prostate cancer will experience some level of out-of-pocket expenses.
For many men, the financial burden, combined with the emotional stress of treatment, can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression. This is why supporting men through prostate cancer isn’t just about finding a cure—it’s about making sure they have the emotional and financial support they need to keep living their lives.
How you can help
You don’t need to be a medical professional to make a difference. Whether it’s donating to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia or simply spreading the word on social media, every little bit counts. You can also participate in local events, fundraisers, or even host your own to help raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer research. The more people know about the risks, symptoms, and treatment options, the more lives we can potentially save.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month isn’t just a date on the calendar—it’s a chance to reflect, act, and help the men in our lives stay healthy. From regular screenings to supporting research and fundraising efforts, we can all play a part in the fight against prostate cancer. So, this September, take a moment to remind the men you love to get checked. It could make all the difference.
References:
Zurich, The Cost of Care Volume 2 (2023)
Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, Prostate Cancer – Know Your Family History[ https://www.pcfa.org.au]
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2023), Cancer data in Australia, 2023
Cancer Council Australia, Prostate Cancer Overview[https://www.cancercouncil.org.au]