September was prostate cancer awareness month, and Cancer Council WA is urging Great Southern men to use it as a reminder to know the symptoms and see their doctor early.

Prostate cancer occurs when cells in the prostate gland become abnormal and grow in an uncontrolled way.

Cancer Council WA Great Southern regional cancer prevention co-ordinator Lavinya Vasudevan said as with any cancer, it was important to take action when prostate cancer symptoms first appeared.

“Common symptoms of prostate cancer include pain when peeing, waking often 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, dribbling at the end of peeing, or feeling like you haven’t completely finished peeing,” she said.

“If any of these symptoms last for at least four weeks, or if you ever notice blood in your pee or semen, it is important to get checked by a doctor, clinic nurse or Aboriginal health worker as soon as possible.

“Experiencing these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean prostate cancer — often it’s something far less serious — but your doctor may be able to help reduce the annoying symptoms.”

In 2022, 95 men were diagnosed and 14 died from prostate cancer in the Great Southern.

“We remind all men over the age of 40 in the Great Southern to have a yarn with their local doctor, clinic nurse or Aboriginal health worker if they notice possible prostate cancer symptoms,” Ms Vasudevan said.

“When cancer is found early, treatment is often more successful.

“That means men can be around longer for their families, mates and their communities and keep doing the things they love, like fishing, camping and caravanning.”

Prostate cancer in the early stages may have no symptoms at all.

If you don’t have any symptoms but are concerned about your prostate cancer risk, speak to your doctor, clinic nurse or Aboriginal health worker who can advise you.