Prostate Cancer Awareness Month: why talking to your GP matters

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, led by the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. It is a timely reminder for men and their families to think about prostate health and what a conversation with a GP can offer.

How common is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian men. The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia estimates around 79 men are diagnosed every day, with about 1 in 5 men diagnosed with prostate cancer by the age of 85. Risk rises steadily with age. Most diagnoses occur in men over 60.

Know your risk factors

Anyone with a prostate can be affected by prostate cancer. Family history plays a real role. Having a father or brother diagnosed with prostate cancer roughly doubles your own risk. Having two or more affected relatives increases it further. Age is the other major factor, with risk increasing steadily from the late 40s onward.

Why early detection matters

Prostate cancer is often slow growing. Detecting it early gives you the best chance of a good outcome. The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia reports that over 98% of men diagnosed at an early stage are alive five years later. Symptoms are not always obvious in the early stages, which is part of why a conversation with your GP is worthwhile even without symptoms.

Talk to your GP

If you are over 50, or over 40 with a family history of prostate cancer, it is worth talking to your GP about your risk and whether PSA testing is right for you. Your GP can talk you through the options and help you make an informed decision. Book an appointment with Five White Street Surgery via HotDoc, or call 02 9528 5266.

Source: Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, Facts and Figures, prostate.org.au, accessed 26 August 2026.