Prostate cancer awareness
Don't let an old myth stop a prostate check
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and finding it early saves lives. A simple blood test is all you need to check on your prostate. No fingers anywhere. So let out a sigh of relief; then know how your age, family background or family history of cancer can determine when it's time to talk to a doctor. Scroll on to learn more.
What increases my risk of getting prostate cancer?
Your age: If you have a prostate, then your risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age
- If you’re 50 or older , start talking to the doctor about your risk. Ask about keeping healthy and if a PSA blood test is required as part of your regular health check-up.
- Start the conversation with a doctor earlier (40 to 45, depending on where you live) if you have a family history of prostate cancer, a confirmed BRCA2 mutation, or you’re Black with sub-Saharan African or Caribbean ancestry.
Your race or ancestry: Black men and men of sub-Saharan African ancestry need to see the doctor earlier
- Black men and men with sub-Saharan African ancestry are more likely to develop prostate cancer and more likely to die from it than men of different ancestry. It also tends to develop at a younger age and grow faster.
- Speak to a doctor from the age of 45 about testing for prostate cancer.
- Indigenous men are more often diagnosed at a younger age or with more advanced disease which can lead to worse health outcomes. Speak to a doctor or health care practitioner about your risk of prostate cancer.
Your family history: The genes from your parents and relatives play a part in prostate cancer risk
- Your father having prostate cancer before 60 to 65, or a brother diagnosed with prostate cancer, can double your risk.
- More than one male relative (for example, grandfather, uncle or nephew) with prostate cancer can increase your risk up to 5 times.
- A strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, especially on the same side of the family, or having a confirmed BRCA mutation, like BRCA2, can increase your risk.
- Speak to a doctor earlier (from 40 to 45, depending on where you live) about testing for prostate cancer.
When exactly to start testing can vary between countries. Use the country tabs at the end of this page to view the different guidelines.
“My father had aggressive prostate cancer which was only discovered by chance. With this family history, I insisted on a PSA test during my annual medical check. It came back slightly high and although I had no symptoms, I pushed to see a urologist.”
Jon Hirsch (diagnosed at 53)
“Black men treat prostate cancer as more of a threat to their manhood than as a disease. (But) we’re not powerless. Empowerment means looking after yourself, starting that conversation with your family or your doctor. If caught early enough, and at the right stage, prostate cancer is treatable.”
Kevin Trotman (diagnosed at 49)
"My single ongoing motivation is to be a catalyst for men to pay closer attention to their health, especially as it relates to prostate cancer. Regular blood tests can represent a life-saving opportunity.”
Glen Williams (diagnosed at 54)
A blood test is the recommended first step to check for prostate cancer
Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is made by your prostate. Increased PSA levels in the blood are usually a sign of prostate problems, and a simple blood test is all that is needed to check PSA levels.
Be aware: A doctor may still assess you with a DRE (digital rectal exam) if they believe there is a clear medical need.
Speaking to the doctor about prostate cancer
Seeing the doctor regularly matters. Speak to them about your risk of prostate cancer. Even when you feel fine — prostate cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages. And if you are experiencing any symptoms, speak to a doctor as soon as possible. These can include pain in your lower back or hips, urinary problems, blood in your urine or semen, or erection difficulties.
The doctor is the right person to make sense of what's going on, and catching anything early gives you the best possible outcome.
Prostate cancer testing guidelines can be different depending on where you live, so check with the doctor.
Use the tabs below to see the age recommendations by country
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Remember: Don't hesitate to see the doctor if you're experiencing symptoms at any age.
Learn more about prostate cancer testing and diagnosis, treatment and related life changes
In Australia, this campaign is supported by funding from the Australian Government.