Prostate cancer information - Blue September 2025

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

In the early stages, there may be no symptoms. In the later stages, some symptoms might include:

• The frequent or sudden need to urinate, especially at night
  Finding it difficult to urinate (for e.g. trouble starting or not being able to when the feeling is there)​​​​​​​
• Poor urine flow
• Discomfort when urinating
• Discovering blood in urine or semen (never ignore this)
• Pain in the lower back, upper thighs, or hips.
• Bone pain
• Unexpected weight loss

These symptoms may not mean you have prostate cancer, but if you experience any of them, contact your doctor - early detection can save your life.
 
More options are available if prostate cancer is detected before it causes symptoms, so a GP visit for a checkup at least once a year is vital.

What are the risk factors?

• Age – as with most cancers, prostate cancer is more common as you get older, especially after the age of 60​​​​​​​
• Family history – if you have a first-degree male relative with it, you’re twice as likely to develop it
• Genetics – genes can be inherited
• Diet – eating a lot of processed or high-fat food can increase the risk
• Obesity and weight - being overweight or obese increases your risk of metastatic or advanced prostate cancer
• Lifestyle - environment and lifestyle can
  increase the risk of developing prostate cancer. Physical exercise also decreases the chance of getting prostate cancer.
• Pesticides - research has found that the risk of developing prostate cancer is higher in people exposed to high levels of pesticides. Most people only come into contact with small amounts of pesticides on food or when gardening.
• You can help reduce your risk of many cancers by making healthy choices like eating right, staying active, and not smoking.

How is it detected and diagnosed?

First and foremost, a doctor will usually do a PSA blood test testing for a Prostate-Specific Antigen. This may lead to a quick physical examination to check the health of the prostate, if necessary.

Tips for talking to your doctor

• Make a list of what you are feeling and how often it happens, including as much detail as possible
• Think about your family/whānau history of cancer and tell your doctor
• Go back to your doctor if you don't feel better, even if tests show you don't have a problem - you can ask for a second opinion if you want one
• Take a family/whānau member or friend with you to the appointment for support​​​​​​​

For more information, head to prostate.org.nz