Prostate Awareness: Take Charge of Your Health

Why Prostate Health Matters

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in New Zealand men, with around 1 in 10 Kiwi men being diagnosed during their lifetime. When prostate cancer is found early, treatment outcomes are often very good.

Talking with your doctor about prostate health may help protect your quality of life.
This prostate cancer awareness page explains the signs, tests, and scans that may help.
Our expert imaging team is here to look after you.

We use medical imaging to help detect prostate cancer. This includes Prostate MRI and prostate ultrasound.

Detecting Prostate Cancer Early

Early detection makes a difference. If your prostate specific antigen (PSA) level is elevated, your doctor may suggest further investigation including medical imaging or a Digital Rectum Exam (DRE) performed by a urologist.

Close up of hands of man in consult with doctor. Doctor has a notepad and pen.

Common Symptoms of Prostate Problems

Changes in urinary habits are often the first sign of an issue.

Symptoms may include:

A weak flow of urine or difficulty starting/stopping
Getting up several times at night to urinate
Pain or burning when passing urine
Blood in urine or semen
Ongoing pelvic discomfort

These symptoms do not always mean you have prostate cancer. However, they may suggest BPH or another condition. If you notice changes, talk to your doctor.

What is the Prostate?

The prostate is a small gland. It sits below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine.
As men age, the prostate can change. This can lead to an enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Diagnosis Pathway

1. Initial Tests

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Test

A simple blood test that checks PSA levels.
PSA can rise because of prostate problems.
A high PSA does not always mean prostate cancer.
It is still an important first step.

Midstream Urine Test

Used to diagnose prostatitis
Important step to determine if PSA levels or symptoms can be attributed to prostatitis

2. Diagnostic Tests

Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)

A quick check where your doctor feels the prostate through the rectum.
It helps check the size and feel of the gland.

Multi-Parametric MRI

Gives clear images of the prostate.
Helps find cancer cells.
It can sometimes avoid a biopsy if the scan is clear.
If a biopsy is needed, MRI helps guide the best sample.

Prostate Ultrasound

Uses sound waves to examine the prostate gland.
Detects nodules, enlargement, or other abnormalities.
Safe, non-invasive, and radiation-free.

Biopsy

Performed under general anaesthetic
Used to investigate lesions shown on MRI

3. Scans after Diagnosis

PSMA-PET/CT

Used after diagnosis of prostate cancer to check if cancer has spread
Highly accurate, especially in patients with higher risk factors

CT Scan

Scan of abdomen, pelvis and bones
Used after diagnosis of prostate cancer to check if cancer has spread

Further Imaging

If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, you may need more medical imaging scans to:

Check if cancer cells have spread
Help plan the best treatment
Monitor how treatment is working
Give surgeons useful details

Why Testing Matters

Early detection allows for more treatment options, fewer side effects, and a better quality of life.

Early stage prostate cancer often has no symptoms.
A simple blood test and quick exam can offer peace of mind.
If caught early, prostate cancer is highly treatable, and survival rates are very high.

Don’t wait until symptoms appear. Be proactive and talk to your doctor today.

Take the Next Step

If you are concerned about your prostate gland, pay attention to changes in your urine flow. If you have a high PSA level, it’s time to take action.

Book a prostate health check or scan today. Protect your future and your quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does prostate cancer screening matter?

Early finding improves outcomes. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Australian men, and when doctors find it early, the survival rate is about 96%. Early stage prostate cancer often has no symptoms, so screening can give more treatment choices, fewer side effects, and a better quality of life.

What does a PSA test show, and does a high PSA always mean cancer?

A PSA test is a simple blood test that measures prostate specific antigen. PSA can rise for many prostate problems, not just cancer. A high result does not always mean prostate cancer. If your PSA is high, your doctor may suggest more tests, such as medical imaging and a digital rectal exam (DRE) by a urologist.

What symptoms should I watch for, and do they always mean prostate cancer?

Changes in urine habits are common early signs of prostate problems. Watch for a weak urine flow or trouble starting and stopping, getting up several times at night to urinate, pain or burning when you pass urine, blood in your urine or semen, and ongoing pelvic discomfort. These signs do not always mean cancer. They may be due to an enlarged prostate, BPH, or another issue. Talk with your doctor if you notice changes.

How do the main screening and assessment tools differ (PSA, MRI, DRE, ultrasound)?

PSA blood test: A first-step test that checks a protein linked to prostate problems. High results lead to more checks.
Multi-parametric MRI: Gives detailed images of the prostate to help find cancer and guide care. In some cases, a clear MRI can avoid a biopsy. If a biopsy is needed, MRI helps guide the best sample.
Digital rectal exam (DRE): A quick physical exam where a doctor feels the prostate through the rectum to check size and texture.
Prostate ultrasound: Uses sound waves to look for nodules, enlargement, or other issues. It is safe, non-invasive, and radiation-free.

When is further imaging needed after a prostate cancer diagnosis?

If you have prostate cancer, more medical imaging may be used to check if cancer has spread, help plan the best treatment, watch how treatment is working, and give key details for surgeons.