What is Prostate Cancer? The prostate is a small gland about the size of a golf ball that surrounds the urethra, the passage that leads from the bladder out through the penis for urine and semen to pass out of the body. The prostate produces some of the fluid that makes up semen. Prostate cancer occurs when abnormal cells are present in the prostate. These cells may multiply and spread beyond the prostate to other areas in the body.       

Prostate problems may have no signs or symptoms. Men, do yourself a favour and ask your doctor to do a blood test to check your PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) levels so you can have a baseline for your Prostate health. Men, 40 and over, who have a family member who has or had prostate issues should definitely ask for PSA testing. Men from age 50 need to ask to have testing. Men who have had women in the family with breast cancer are now being advised to have PSA testing from age 40.                                   

There have been amazing breakthroughs in Prostate Cancer treatments in the last few years due to research and trials. There is also a lot of information available from specially trained Prostate nurses and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. 

For Information and support in the Clarence Valley contact Bob, Grafton PC Support Group 0419 610 917 or for partner support, call Glad 0415 350 974. They can give you lots of information for tele nursing services, pamphlets, what services are available in our region, and everything is confidential.       

Donations direct to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia are always welcome to continue research and support to approximately 17,000 men diagnosed each year in Australia.   

Glad Smith