Prostate cancer develops from cells in the prostate and often grows slowly, but some forms are aggressive. PSA can help with detection and monitoring, but is not specific to cancer; diagnosis usually requires MRI and tissue examination.
- Early prostate cancer usually causes no symptoms and is sometimes found through PSA testing.
- Difficulty passing urine, a weak stream or urination at night is more often caused by benign enlargement than cancer.
- Ask about risk category, treatment alternatives, the chance of a cure and effects on urination, sex and the bowel.
- Take someone with you to important discussions and write down questions and answers.
- Make an appointment for blood in the urine or semen, new urinary symptoms, unexplained weight loss or persistent bone pain.
- For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.
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General information, not personal medical advice
This article has been carefully prepared but may contain errors or become outdated as medical knowledge changes. It does not replace diagnosis, examination or treatment by your own GP. Always discuss personal questions and starting, stopping or changing medicines or treatments with your own GP.
For a life-threatening situation, call Ambulance 912. For urgent care outside office hours, call HAP 9252.
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