Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Australian men and the second-leading cause of male cancer deaths. Around 26,000 men are diagnosed each year, and about 1 in 5 will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime. The risk rises with age, and a family history of prostate, breast or ovarian cancer (especially with BRCA1/2 gene changes) further increases the chance of getting prostate cancer. Having a father or brother with prostate cancer doubles your risk, and two or more affected relatives raises it fivefold.
Early detection is vital – if caught in Stage I, the 5-year survival rate exceeds 99%. Regular check-ups and discussions about PSA (prostate-specific antigen) testing with your doctor are recommended if you’re at higher risk (e.g. due to age or family history).
- Key risk factors: Age (especially over 50), family history of prostate/breast/ovarian cancer (BRCA1/2), inherited genetic mutations
- Preventive steps: Discuss screening with your GP. PSA blood tests can flag problems, but remember a raised PSA is not definitive (about 1 in 3 men with an elevated PSA actually have cancer).
Symptoms, Detection and Diagnosis
Early prostate cancer often causes no symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they may include urinary changes (weak flow, pain or blood when urinating, or feeling the bladder isn’t fully empty). Pain in the lower back, hips or pelvis, and unexplained weight loss can also occur once cancer has spread to bones.
Diagnosis may involve:
- PSA Test – measures prostate-specific antigen levels.
- Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) – a doctor checks the prostate manually.
- Prostate Biopsy – tissue is tested to confirm cancer and assess aggressiveness (Gleason score).
- Imaging tests – MRI, CT, bone scans, or PSMA PET scans help determine cancer stage.
Doctors use the TNM classification system to stage prostate cancer, alongside PSA and Gleason scores, to guide treatment decisions.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on cancer stage, grade, age, and overall health. Approaches include:
- Active surveillance or watchful waiting for slow-growing cancers.
- Surgery (prostatectomy) – open, laparoscopic or robotic.
- Radiation therapy – external beam or brachytherapy.
- Ablation therapy – cryotherapy or HIFU in selected cases.
- Systemic treatments – hormone therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or radiopharmaceuticals (e.g. radium-223, lutetium-177) for advanced cases.
Each has potential benefits and side effects. Decisions are best made with a multidisciplinary care team.
Living Well With Prostate Cancer
Australia has high survival rates when prostate cancer is detected early (95% 5-year survival). When advanced, outcomes are poorer, making supportive care important.
Supportive care may address:
- Pain and fatigue
- Nausea or appetite loss (often from treatment)
- Sleep difficulties and anxiety
- Emotional well-being and relationships
Medicinal cannabis may play a role in supportive care for some patients. Research is ongoing, but it may help manage certain symptoms such as pain, nausea, reduced appetite, or sleep problems. However, results vary and the evidence base is still developing.
Important: In Australia, medicinal cannabis is only available under strict TGA access pathways and must be prescribed by an authorised prescriber. Doctors consider it when standard options are unsuitable or ineffective, and will monitor your response closely.
Telehealth and Online Consultations
Telehealth makes it easier for patients, especially in regional or rural areas, to access healthcare without long travel times. Online consultations are useful for follow-ups, reviewing test results, and discussing supportive care.
CannaTelehealth provides secure online appointments with doctors who can discuss prostate cancer symptom relief, including whether medicinal cannabis may be appropriate under TGA regulations. You can also explore supportive options such as lifestyle advice and mental health support through our care team.
For more on telehealth benefits, see our article: 7 Benefits of Online Doctor Consultation.
Supporting Australians Living With Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is common, but with early detection and modern treatments, survival outcomes are improving. Beyond treatment, supportive care is vital for quality of life. Options like counselling, nutrition, palliative care – and, in some cases, medicinal cannabis – can help manage symptoms.
CannaTelehealth offers convenient online consultations with authorised prescribers who work within TGA guidelines. If you’d like to explore your options for symptom relief, book a consultation today to discuss what’s right for you.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always speak to your healthcare provider before making decisions about testing, treatment, or starting new therapies, including medicinal cannabis.
