Prostate Cancer Bunbury
Prostate cancer: what older men need to know
Many of us have heard of prostate cancer, but not everyone knows how common it is or what to look out for or the role a geriatrician can play in guiding care for older men.
Geriatrician prostate cancer
Why prostate cancer matters in geriatric care
At South West Gerontology, we care for older adults who often live with multiple conditions, complex medication needs, or age-related changes that can affect how they respond to illness. Prostate cancer is most commonly diagnosed in men over 70. That means it often co-exists with other health issues like heart disease, memory changes, or frailty.
Understanding how prostate cancer fits into the bigger picture is key. For example, some men may benefit from prostate cancer surgery or hormone therapy; others may do better with close monitoring and a focus on quality of life, especially if they have other health challenges. That’s where geriatricians come in: we help assess risks, guide decisions, and support the person as a whole, not just the cancer.
What is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer happens when cells in the prostate gland start growing in an abnormal, uncontrolled way. It’s actually the most diagnosed cancer in Australian men, with around 1 in 6 men diagnosed by the time they’re 85. The average age for diagnosis is about 70.
“Every day in Australia, around 79 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer.”
Early vs advanced prostate cancer
In the early stages, prostate cancer usually stays within the prostate and doesn’t spread. This type often doesn’t cause any symptoms. Advanced prostate cancer, however, means the cancer has spread, either just outside the prostate or to other parts of the body.
Signs to watch for
Early prostate cancer often has no symptoms, which is why regular checks are so important. As the cancer progresses, symptoms might include:
- Needing to urinate more often, especially at night
- Pain when urinating
- Blood in urine or semen
- Weak flow of urine
- Pain in the back or pelvis
- Weakness in the legs or feet
If you notice any of these, it’s best to talk to your GP.
What causes prostate cancer?
We don’t know exactly what causes it, but some risk factors include:
- Age: particularly over 50
- Family history: having a father or brother diagnosed before age 60 increases risk
- Genetics: if there’s a history of prostate, breast, or ovarian cancer in the family
How is it diagnosed?
The first step is usually a PSA blood test, which looks for a specific protein made by the prostate. However, PSA levels can vary, and only 1 in 3 men with a high PSA actually have cancer. So it’s just one part of the puzzle.
Other steps may include:
- A physical exam
- An ultrasound-guided biopsy to take a sample from the prostate
- Imaging, like CT or MRI scans, to check if the cancer has spread
What happens after diagnosis?
Finding out you have prostate cancer can be a shock. It’s completely normal to feel anxious, confused, or upset. Take time to ask questions, talk to your GP, and reach out to trusted family and friends. The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia also has great resources and a helpline.
Treatment options
Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer and your general health. Options include:
- Active surveillance: Regular monitoring, often used if the cancer is slow-growing
- Watchful waiting: Used for older men where the cancer may not cause problems during their lifetime
- Surgery: Removing the prostate, which may cause side effects like incontinence or impotence
- Radiotherapy: External or internal radiation to target cancer cells
- Hormone therapy: To reduce testosterone, which helps slow the cancer’s growth
Who is involved in your care?
You’ll usually start with your GP, who may refer you to a urologist for further testing. If cancer is confirmed, you might also see:
- A radiation oncologist (for radiotherapy)
- A medical oncologist (for medications like hormone therapy)
- Cancer care nurses
- Continence and sexual health specialists
- A cancer care coordinator, who helps keep everything organised
As geriatricians, we often work alongside these specialists to support overall wellbeing, adjust medications, and make sure care is suited to your individual case, not just the diagnosis.
Is there screening for prostate cancer?
There’s no national screening program like we have for breast or bowel cancer, because the current tests aren’t accurate enough for general population screening. But if you’re over 50, or have a family history, it’s a good idea to talk to your GP about the PSA test.
There’s no proven way to prevent prostate cancer, but early diagnosis gives you the best chance of effective treatment and a good outcome.
What’s the outlook?
Actually, very positive. Prostate cancer has one of the highest survival rates of all cancers in men:
- 96% survive at least 5 years
- 91% survive 10 years
This is thanks to better treatments and earlier detection.
Geriatrician prostate cancer Bunbury
About South West Gerontology
At South West Gerontology, we help older adults live well; whether that means recovering after surgery, managing long-term conditions, or supporting complex decisions after a cancer diagnosis. If you’re over 65 and have health concerns, we’re here to help you and your family plan the best way forward.
You can also hear more health conversations like this on Bunbury Community Radio FM103.7, every second Thursday at 11:30am.