Key Messages:
• This year is the 30th anniversary of Men’s Health Week. It runs annually, from 10-16 June.
• Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in Australia. Almost 25,000 men are diagnosed each year, and one in five will be diagnosed by the age of 85.
• Medical advancements in the last 30 years have helped men avoid biopsies for prostate cancer diagnosis.
• Those who have a family history of breast, ovarian, BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutation have an increased risk of having prostate cancer.
• Know your family history, watch out for symptoms, and get your health checked.
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DOWNLOAD VIDEO with Prof Shomik Sengupta
INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITY: Prof Shomik Sengupta is available for interview upon request. Please email comunications@easternhealth.org.au
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This year is the 30th anniversary of Men’s Health week. It is an opportunity to highlight the importance of health checks for men.
Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse, Amelia Rolfs, talks about how common prostate cancer is in Australia.
“Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia. Almost 25,000 men are diagnosed each year, and one in five will be diagnosed by the age of 85.” She said.
Prof Shomik Sengupta, Professor of Surgery at Eastern Health Clinical School*, discusses the medical advancements within the prostate cancer area in the last 30 years.
“Looking back, a lot of prostate cancer came about to be detected when it already was quite advanced and symptomatic, where you normally proceed directly on to having a biopsy,” He said.
Men can now undertake a PSA blood test which can detect cancer early, instead of going directly for a biopsy.
“We do have MRI scans and now PET scans which are helping us to find out which men with the abnormal PSA test actually do need a biopsy, so we can be a bit more selective about biopsy.” Prof Sengupta said.
Prostate Cancer Nurse Specialist, Mel Caruso talks about who are at risk for prostate cancer.
“Having breast or ovarian cancer, or BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutation in your family can increase the risk of having prostate cancer.” She said.
It is important to watch out for any symptoms, know your family history, and talk to your GP about PSA testing if appropriate.
“Early detection and diagnosis is lifesaving. If detected early, you have a greater chance of survival.” She said.
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*Full title: Professor of Surgery, Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University and Urology VMO & uro-oncology lead, Department of Urology, Eastern Health
Contact details:
Communications team
Communications@easternhealth.org.au
