Frequently Asked Questions

 Symptoms, which can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions, may include problems with urination, back pain, or erectile dysfunction. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve the outcome  

The prostate is a walnut-sized gland in the male reproductive system, located just below the bladder. Its primary function is to produce seminal fluid, which nourishes sperm and constitutes most of the semen. The prostate surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. Additionally, it contains muscle tissue that helps propel semen out of the body during ejaculation. Common prostate issues, which tend to increase with age, include inflammation (known as prostatitis), non-cancerous enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH), and prostate cancer.

 Prostate cancer is a malignant tumour (a cancerous growth) of the prostate gland, a walnut-sized gland located below the bladder that produces a fluid component of semen. It occurs when prostate cells grow uncontrollably and can spread to other body parts, but it often grows slowly and may not cause symptoms or require treatment, especially if caught early. 

 Benefits of early detection

• Increased treatment success: Early-stage prostate cancer is often more treatable, with the potential for cure. 
• More treatment options: Detecting cancer early means more choices are available, leading to better management of the disease. 
• Higher survival rates: The 5-year survival rate for prostate cancer caught in its early stages is over 99%. 
• Better quality of life: Timely detection and treatment can prevent a prolonged and more challenging recovery. 

How testing works 

• PSA test: A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is a blood test that measures the amount of PSA, a protein made by the prostate gland, in the blood.
• Early warning sign: An elevated or rapidly increasing PSA level can be an early indicator of prostate cancer, though it is not definitive.
• Further steps: If PSA levels are high, further tests, such as an MRI scan or biopsy, may be recommended to confirm the presence of cancer and determine its characteristics.

  Urinary Changes 

• Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
• Sudden, urgent need to urinate
• Difficulty starting or stopping urination
• A weak or interrupted urine flow
• Feeling that your bladder isn't fully emptied

Sexual Changes 

• Erectile dysfunction (difficulty getting or keeping an erection)
• Painful or burning sensation during urination or ejaculation
• Blood in semen

Advanced Cancer Symptoms 

• Blood in your urine
• Unexplained pain or discomfort in the lower back, hips, or thighs
• Unexplained weight loss