What is prostate cancer?

The prostate is a gland below the bladder that surrounds part of the urethra. It contributes fluid to semen. Prostate cancer begins when cells in this gland grow in an uncontrolled way. Some cancers grow slowly and need monitoring, while others behave more actively and need treatment. A diagnosis is described using examination, blood results, imaging and, when needed, biopsy findings.

Urinary difficulty can occur when the prostate presses on the urethra, but urinary symptoms also have non-cancer causes. A symptom should be assessed rather than used to identify the cause on its own.

Arrange an appointment if urinary changes, blood in urine or semen, pelvic discomfort or erectile changes persist. Bring your medicines and any previous test reports. Your clinician may discuss a blood test, examination, imaging or biopsy. If cancer is confirmed, treatment choices depend on the tumour's features, whether it has spread, your health and your preferences. Options may include monitoring, surgery, radiotherapy or other medicines.

Seek prompt medical advice for persistent urinary changes or blood in urine or semen. Get urgent help if you cannot pass urine, have severe pain, fever with urinary symptoms or sudden weakness. These problems need attention regardless of whether prostate cancer is eventually found.

Ask what your symptoms and test results show, whether a biopsy is needed, whether the cancer is confined to the prostate, and what each treatment would involve. Ask about effects on urine, erections and bowel function, recovery, and how decisions will be reviewed over time.