Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in September

Cancer Council Australia is recognising Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, held in September.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in men in Australia after non-melanoma skin cancer, with around 3200 deaths in Australia each year. It is most common in men over the age of 60, although the risk is higher for younger men with a strong family history of certain cancers.

There are no tests available with sufficient accuracy to screen the male population for early stages of prostate cancer. However, early detection and treatment can significantly improve prostate cancer outcomes.  Men concerned about prostate cancer should talk to their doctor and make an informed choice about whether to have any tests designed to find early signs of prostate cancer, in view of the potential risks and benefits.

Cancer Council offers a range of information and support services online, in person and by phone for those affected by cancer.

Cancer Council 13 11 20 provides a confidential telephone support and counselling service run by Cancer Councils in each state and territory for the cost of a local call. Some states have extended hours and multilingual services.

The Cancer Council Online Community offers a safe and supportive online site for people affected by cancer, their families and friends.

Cancer Connect is a telephone peer support service that connects someone with cancer with a specially trained volunteer who has gone through a similar cancer experience. This service is free and confidential.

Cancer Council publishes a number of resources to help support those affected by prostate cancer. Our publication, Understanding Prostate Cancer, has been developed to help you understand prostate cancer, how it is diagnosed and what treatments are available. Free copies are available for download on our website or by ordering online from your local Cancer Council.

Cancer Council Victoria has also published What to expect, Optimal Care Pathways which are tumour specific resources mapping the patient journey.

For more information on prostate cancer visit our website.

How you can help

Other people's personal experience of prostate cancer can be source of support for those affected by a cancer diagnosis.

If you would like to share your experience of prostate cancer, visit our personal cancer stories page.