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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Is prostate cancer always accompanied by symptoms?

    Related Topics
    Cancer Prostate Cancer
    I have heard that prostate cancer can be very slow-growing and symptom-free. So how does someone know if they have prostate cancer?
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    Dr Cristina Musso

    Counsellor, Sex Therapist

    Sexuality Education and Counselling ACT is run by a specialist in Sexual Health to help individuals and couples address their sexual concerns and improve their … View Profile

    Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men in Australia. Early detection may be difficult and management can be controversial. Some cancers grow very slowly and may not require any intervention.  Others grow and spread rapidly. Typically, the blood level of a protein produced by the prostate, the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) has been used to assist in the diagnosis. However, PSA levels can rise due to other conditions and recent research shows that it shouldn't be used for population screening. When there are no symptoms, the major risk factors to be considered are age and a family history of prostate cancer. If you are concerned about the possibility of developing prostate cancer, talk to your GP. A digital rectal examination to explore the shape, surface and size of the prostate and a PSA test ( despite its limitations) is a good start.

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