Prostate Cancer Awareness Month: What Men Should Know About PSA Testing and Prostate Health

Prostate health is an important part of men’s health, particularly as men get older. During Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, it can be a useful time to learn about prostate cancer, understand potential risk factors and have a conversation with your GP about whether prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing may be appropriate for you.

For men searching for information about prostate cancer in Nerang, PSA testing in Nerang or a prostate check in Nerang, understanding what PSA testing can and cannot tell you is an important first step.

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer affecting Australian men after non-melanoma skin cancer. However, prostate cancer does not always cause symptoms in its early stages, and there is currently no organised population-based screening program for prostate cancer in Australia.

What Is Prostate Cancer?

The prostate is a small gland located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It is part of the male reproductive system.

Prostate cancer occurs when abnormal cells develop in the prostate and begin to grow. Some prostate cancers can grow slowly and may not cause problems during a person’s lifetime, while others can behave more aggressively.

Because different prostate cancers can behave differently, finding an abnormality does not automatically mean that a person has an aggressive cancer or will require immediate treatment.

If you are concerned about prostate cancer in Nerang or the wider Gold Coast area, discussing your individual risk and symptoms with your GP can help determine whether further assessment is appropriate.

What Is a PSA Test?

A PSA test is a blood test that measures the level of prostate-specific antigen in your blood.

PSA is produced by prostate cells, including normal prostate cells and cancerous cells. This means that PSA is not a cancer-specific test.

A raised PSA level can occur for several reasons, including prostate cancer, benign prostate enlargement and inflammation or infection of the prostate. Some men with prostate cancer can also have PSA levels within the expected range.

This is why a PSA result should be interpreted by a healthcare professional rather than considered a diagnosis on its own.

If you are considering a PSA test on the Gold Coast, your GP can discuss whether testing may be appropriate based on your age, family history, symptoms and other risk factors.

Should Every Man Have a PSA Test?

Not necessarily.

Australia does not currently have an organised population-based prostate cancer screening program. For men without symptoms, PSA testing involves weighing the potential benefit of detecting some prostate cancers earlier against potential harms, including false-positive results, further investigations and diagnosis or treatment of cancers that may never have caused symptoms.

Cancer Council Australia recommends that men considering PSA testing discuss the potential benefits and harms with their doctor so they can make an informed decision.

For this reason, a prostate cancer screening discussion in Nerang should be individualised rather than treated as a routine test that every man automatically needs.

What Are the Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer?

Age is an important risk factor for prostate cancer, with the likelihood increasing as men get older.

Family history is another important consideration. Men with a close relative, such as a father or brother, who has had prostate cancer may have a higher risk. The risk can be greater when a close relative was diagnosed at a younger age. Certain inherited genetic factors can also increase risk.

If you have concerns about prostate cancer risk factors in Nerang, tell your GP about any family history of prostate, breast or ovarian cancer and any previous prostate investigations.

Your GP can consider this information when discussing whether PSA testing or another assessment may be appropriate.

What Are the Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?

Early prostate cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms.

When symptoms do occur, they can include:

• Difficulty starting or maintaining urination
• A slow or interrupted urine flow
• Passing urine more frequently, particularly at night
• Difficulty emptying the bladder
• Blood in the urine
• Pain when urinating
• Lower back or pelvic pain in some circumstances

These symptoms do not necessarily mean prostate cancer. Conditions such as benign prostate enlargement and other urinary or prostate problems can cause similar symptoms.

If you notice persistent urinary changes or other symptoms, consider speaking with your GP rather than trying to determine the cause yourself.

For men looking for a prostate check in Nerang or information about prostate cancer symptoms in Nerang, a GP can assess your symptoms and discuss whether further testing is needed.

What Happens During a Prostate Health Assessment?

A prostate health assessment starts with a discussion about your medical history, symptoms and risk factors.

Your GP may ask about:

• Urinary symptoms
• Family history of prostate cancer
• Previous PSA results
• Your age
• Current medicines
• Other relevant health conditions

If PSA testing is appropriate, a blood sample can be taken to measure the PSA level.

Depending on your symptoms and circumstances, your GP may recommend further assessment or referral to another healthcare professional.

An abnormal PSA result does not automatically mean prostate cancer. Further investigation may be required to understand the reason for the result. Depending on the circumstances, this may include repeat PSA testing, imaging such as a multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) or, when appropriate, a biopsy.

What Does an Elevated PSA Result Mean?

An elevated PSA level can be concerning, but it is important not to assume that it confirms cancer.

PSA levels can be affected by several non-cancerous conditions. PSA can also vary over time, which is why your doctor may recommend repeating the test or carrying out further investigations depending on your circumstances.

If your PSA result is higher than expected, your GP can explain what it may mean and whether further testing or referral is appropriate.

This is one reason why an at-home PSA test or interpreting a PSA number without medical advice may not provide the full picture.

Prostate Health and Men’s Health Checks

Looking after your prostate can be part of a broader men’s health check in Nerang.

A men’s health appointment can provide an opportunity to discuss concerns that you may otherwise put off, including:

• Urinary changes
• Prostate health
• Blood pressure
• Cholesterol
• Diabetes risk
• Weight and lifestyle
• Sexual health
• Family medical history
• Other age-related health concerns

If you are looking for a men’s health GP in Nerang or a men’s health doctor in Nerang, discussing your concerns openly with your GP can help determine which health checks or investigations may be relevant to you.

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month: A Good Time to Talk to Your GP

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month can be a useful reminder to pay attention to your health and ask questions about prostate cancer and PSA testing.

If you have a family history of prostate cancer, urinary symptoms or questions about whether PSA testing is appropriate, make an appointment with your GP.

For men living in Nerang and surrounding Gold Coast suburbs, including Carrara, Highland Park, Ashmore, Molendinar, Benowa, Merrimac, Mudgeeraba, Worongary, Robina, Southport and Pacific Pines, local GP care can provide an opportunity to discuss prostate health and broader men’s health concerns.

A GP can help you understand your individual risk rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach to testing.

Men’s Health and Prostate Care in Nerang

If you are searching for a GP for men’s health on the Gold Coast, men’s health check in Nerang or prostate health in Nerang, consider speaking with your GP about any concerns you may have.

At Nerang Medical Centre & Skin Clinic, patients can discuss men’s health concerns and appropriate investigations with their GP. The practice is located at 7/57 Station Street, Nerang, Queensland. Nerang Medical Centre & Skin Clinic

Dr Pratishrut Awasthy, General Practitioner | FRACGP, has an interest in preventive health, chronic disease management and men’s health. A consultation can provide an opportunity to discuss your individual concerns and whether further assessment may be appropriate.

When Should You Speak to Your GP?

You do not need to wait for symptoms to become severe before discussing prostate health.

Consider making an appointment if you:

• Have persistent changes in urination
• Have noticed blood in your urine
• Have concerns about your prostate
• Have a family history of prostate cancer
• Have questions about PSA testing
• Want to discuss your overall men’s health

If you have symptoms that concern you, your GP can assess them and determine whether further investigation is required.

Book a Men’s Health Appointment in Nerang

If you have questions about PSA testing, prostate health or prostate cancer risk, speaking with a GP can help you understand which assessments may be appropriate for your individual circumstances.

At Nerang Medical Centre & Skin Clinic, men’s health consultations can provide an opportunity to discuss prostate and urinary health alongside broader men’s health concerns.

To discuss your prostate health or PSA testing, you can book an appointment with Dr Pratishrut Awasthy at Nerang Medical Centre & Skin Clinic.