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  • David 15 May 2019
    My doctor has told me I will need to have a catheter after surgery for prostate cancer. How long will I need this and how restrictive is it likely to be as I am a bit worried about it delaying my return to work?

    A catheter will inserted at the time of the radical prostatectomy ( removal of the prostate). The catheter is inserted to allow the join between the bladder neck and urethra to heal. Generally the catheter will be removed in 5-7 days. Times may vary depending on surgical technique, surgeons preferences and an individuals recovery rate. After the catheter is removed there is still healing time of the wound to be considered. Generally 6-8 weeks of no heavy lifting or straining after surgery is required for the wound to heal. Depending on what you do for work will depend on the amount of time you need to have off work. Your urologist will generally go through post operative information with you before proceeding with the treatment. Sharon-JBT nurse

  • Brent 15 May 2019
    When should you start testing for Prostate Cancer?

    There still remains controversy over Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) testing but as a general rule it would be considered reasonable to have a PSA test from the age of 40 if there is a family history of prostate cancer. PSA testing at the age of  40 may assist in gauging the risk for prostate cancer. PSA- testing guidelines can be found at www.usanz.org.au/ consumer information and a discussion with your GP is always a great starting point.   Sharon - JBT nurse  

  • John 30 April 2019
    I have been told that I will probably have to wear incontinence pads for a while after my surgery. Where and how does a bloke get these things?

    Hi John, These items can be purchased at pharmacists and supermarkets as well as some specialised companies. You can talk to your continence or urology nurse for details.   Sharon - Jim Bruce Trust Urology Nurse    

  • Matt nnnnnnnn - 9 April 2019
    My father had a successful prostate cancer operation after his GP noticed his PSA readings were going up over the years. Dad was in his late fifties and I am now just coming up to 40. Should I be starting to have PSA tests and, if so, how frequently, and is there anything else I should be doing?

    It would certainly be reasonable for you to have a PSA test at the age of 40 when there is previous family history of prostate cancer. Depending on the reading of your PSA will determine how often you should have testing done. Your urologist will be able to guide you on how often you should have testing. Sharon- JBT nurse

  • John 2 April 2019
    I have just received a diagnosis that I have prostate cancer but it seems I have a few options for treatment including “doing nothing” at least for a while. Who or where can I get more advice on what is best to do?

    Thank you for using the Jim Bruce Trust Forum and sharing your situation with others. While you will need to make the final decision about what is best for you as far as your options on treatment or ‘active surveillance” there are many avenues for you to seek advice about each of the options open to you. The prostate cancer foundation association have excellent and up to date literature on diagnosis and treatments. Your decision will also need to take into account your personal situation as well as the medical diagnosis you have received which means that you will most likely find it helpful to talk to a number of medical professionals who can help you weigh up the pros and cons of the various treatments in light of your age, family and work situation as well as your general health. Your Urological Specialist or GP will be able to refer you to other specialists, recommend specialist reading material and perhaps even arrange for to speak with former patients who were in a similar situation to yourself. Sharon-Jim Bruce Urology Nurse

  • Brent 18 October 2017
    I’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer, should I get a second opinion?

    That really depends how comfortable you are with your treating specialist and the advice you've been given. There is definitely an education process with any diagnosis. If you feel you don't understand, or haven't been given enough information, then talk to your specialist and/or GP. If you are still not satisfied, there is nothing wrong with getting a second opinion. Most specialists would be happy to even recommend someone for you to see.
    Dr Nader Awad

  • Brent 18 October 2017
    Prostate Cancer is in my family – when should I start testing?

    That really depends how comfortable you are with your treating specialist and the advice you've been given. There is definitely an education process with any diagnosis. If you feel you don't understand, or haven't been given enough information, then talk to your specialist and/or GP. If you are still not satisfied, there is nothing wrong with getting a second opinion. Most specialists would be happy to even recommend someone for you to see.
    Dr Nader Awad

  • Brent 18 October 2017
    I’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer – what now?

    Wow. That is a big question. The process starts by becoming informed. It is important to remember that prostate cancer is a very diverse disease, ie not everyone's cancer is the same. Also, we are all individuals, and the type of treatment can vary because of this too. There is no "one size fits all". It starts by finding out the type of prostate cancer you have and what stage it is at. Your urologist will give you this information. There is then some excellent reading material put out by the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) and the Cancer Council. Some prostate cancers can be watched/observed. Others need to be treated. If you need treatment, then there are almost always options, ie surgery or radiotherapy. It is often useful to speak to the different types of doctors and get their opinions on the suitability of their treatment option for YOUR specific cancer, and YOU. It can also help to visit this site and talk to men who have gone through the process and treatment and canvass their views
    Dr Nader Awad

  • Sharnie 18 October 2017
    If PSA levels are normal but my symptoms of urgency and poor flow continue what should I do next?

    Hi Sharnie. Sorry for the delay in responding. Early prostate cancer rarely has any urinary symptoms. The symptoms often come from the benign (non-cancerous) prostate growth. You should see your GP to start with.
    Dr Nader Awad