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Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Western Australian men, so Cancer Council WA is using Prostate Cancer Awareness month this September to issue a timely reminder to know the common symptoms of the disease.

Cancer Council WA Cancer Prevention and Research Director, Melissa Ledger,  said it’s vital men visit their local doctor, Aboriginal health worker or clinic nurse if they experience unusual symptoms as currently there is not a suitable test that can be used to screen the male population for prostate cancer.

“Common symptoms of prostate cancer include, waking a lot at night to pee, a sudden or urgent need to pee, problems starting or stopping peeing, needing to pee more often, a slow or weak flow when peeing, or dribbling at the end of peeing”, Ms Ledger said.

“These symptoms can be found in other conditions but if you have had any of these for more than four weeks, or you’ve noticed blood in your pee or semen even just once, tell your doctor, clinic nurse or Aboriginal health worker as soon as possible.  It doesn’t mean you’ve got prostate cancer – often it turns out to be something far less serious and your doctor may be able to help reduce the annoying symptoms”.

Ms Ledger said in Western Australia in 2019, the risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer by age 75 years was 1 in 8 for men.

“In 2019, there were 2,299 new cases of prostate cancer recorded and 248 deaths”.

“When cancer is found at an earlier stage, there is a better chance of successful treatment, so finding cancer early can make a real difference”.

For more information about prostate cancer symptoms, visit findcancerearly.com.au or call Cancer Council’s information and support line on 13 11 20.