" Prostate cancer is just as common in men as breast cancer is in women"

Prostate cancer has become the most significant major malignancy of men and is responsible for considerable mortality. Although prostate cancer commonly occurs in later years of life, there is an increasing referral rate of younger patients in their late 40s and early 50s with the disease.

The availability of the PSA (prostate specific antigen) blood test has led to a significantly greater referral rate of men with early disease over the past few years. It is our view that prostate cancer is not restricted to older men, and in many cases, prostate cancer is a highly lethal disease.

In 2003 at the St. George Hospital there was an increase of more than 50% new patients with prostate cancer and more than a 102% increase of patients under the age of 60.

It is readily apparent that prostate cancer is just as common in men as breast cancer is in women. However, breast cancer cure rates have improved in women, largely as a result of early detection in a nationwide breast cancer screening program. Although there is some indication that prostate cancer cure rates may also be improving in NSW, the State still lacks the same commitment towards a truly co-ordinated and integrated detection and treatment program.

The most comprehensive treatment options and assistance have now been centralised within the Prostate Cancer Institute at St. George Cancer Care Centre in Sydney's southern suburbs. The Institute's Research Centre is also having success in tracing the genetic causes of the disease and developing improved treatment options.

The Division of Cancer Care Services, which incorporates the Cancer Care Centre, has been the major cancer treatment facility for St. George and Sutherland Shire residents since 1991.

As a part of the initial assessment/advisory process, patients are offered individual assessment and advice about their prostate cancer. Prostate cancer can have a range of behaviours. One man's prostate cancer is not necessarily the same as any other man's prostate cancer. Individual assessment, support and advice also takes into consideration patient and family choices and preferences. The importance of having a skilled and co-ordinated team approach in a disease such as prostate cancer cannot be overemphasised. The PCI has refined the team approach to a level not available in any other Australian setting.