Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in Australian men and the third most common cause of cancer death in the country, according to Cancer Council NSW.
But two St George Hospital-based doctors say early detection is the key to better outcomes for patients.
Radiation oncologist Dr Joseph Bucci and urological surgeon Dr David Malouf are based at St George Cancer Care Centre.
"We know prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers now and is overtaking breast cancer because of our ageing population," Dr Bucci said.
"One in seven Australian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer by the age of 85."
While prostate cancer is being detected more, partly because men are living longer, he said it was increasingly striking those in their 60s who have "many years to live".
While not all cases of prostate cancer are lethal, it is important to detect it early as this results in less invasive treatment options and better survival rates.
While prostate cancer does have symptoms, including urinary or sexual dysfunction, by the time these are noticeable the cancer is usually advanced.
"The vast majority will have no symptoms, Dr Malouf said.
That is why the best way to detect prostate cancer early is via a simple blood test, recommended once a year for men over 50, or over 40 if they have a family history of prostate cancer.
The blood test looks for levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA) - a protein secreted by the prostate.
Appropriate levels depend on your age. If a blood test shows elevated PSA levels, your doctor may wait and check it again. If it continues to rise, you may require an MRI followed by a biopsy if a mass is detected.
Both Dr Bucci and Dr Malouf said all men should make an annual trip to their GP and request the blood test if their doctor does not suggest it.
"The good news is it's just a blood test and can be included in an overall men's health check," Dr Malouf said.
If you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, men in St George and Sutherland Shire are lucky to have access to the publicly-funded St George Cancer Care Centre on their doorstep.
Dr Malouf said not all patients will even need treatment straight away.
He said it was important not to "over-treat" prostate cancer and in some cases, "active surveillance" is recommended.
If treatment is necessary, options include surgery, conventional radiation and brachytherapy.
St George Cancer Care Centre's Prostate Brachytherapy Program is a world-leader in the field.
The program was set up by doctors Bucci and Malouf almost 20 years ago.
"St George Hospital has the only centre in NSW to offer brachytherapy - both low-dose and high-dose - in the public system and we were able to introduce that program coming up to 20 years ago," Dr Malouf said.
"We treat patients from all over the state."
Low-dose brachytherapy sees small radioactive pellets or seeds inserted into the prostate to deliver low-dose radiation over three to four months.
High-dose brachytherapy is used in high-risk or aggressive tumours. A tube is inserted into the prostate so a higher dose of radiation can be delivered.
Both forms of brachytherapy are more effective and have fewer side effects than other treatments.
Dr Bucci said more than 2000 patients have been treated as part of the program.
He said intermediate-risk prostate cancer patients undergoing low-dose brachytherapy had a 93 per cent cure rate. "These are world-class outcomes," he said.
