What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in New Zealand men, with around 4,000 diagnosed each year. Despite its prevalence, many men know little about the prostate gland, its function, or what symptoms to watch out for.
This article explores the prostate in detail, its anatomy and physiology, symptoms of prostate problems and how to check your prostate health.
The Prostate
Meaning, Anatomy and Function
The prostate gland is a walnut-sized organ located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum in men. The urethra, the tube that carries urine, runs through its centre.
- Prostate function: It produces fluid that nourishes and carries sperm.
- Prostate structure and regions: Includes the peripheral zone (where most Prostate Cancers develop), central zone, and transition zone (this often enlarges with age).
- Prostate and bladder anatomy: This now explains why urinary symptoms often overlap with prostate conditions.
Enlarged Prostate vs Prostate Cancer
An enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, BPH) is common with the increase in age, and is not the same as cancer.
- Enlarged prostate symptoms: Frequent urination, weak stream, urgency to urinate, and in some cases, pelvic pain.
- How large can the prostate grow? It can grow from a walnut-sized (20–25g) to as large as an orange (100g+).
- How to diagnose: Your GP or Healthcare Professional will review your history, examine you, do a more in-depth PSA blood test, and sometimes ultrasound.
Prostate Cancer Explained
Prostate cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the prostate multiply. These form tumours that can both grow slowly or aggressively (fast).
- Causes of Prostate Cancer: age, family history, ethnicity, and diet can all contribute to the level of Prostate Cancer Risk and can be assessed by your GP or Healthcare Professional.
- Signs and symptoms: you may have weak urine flow, discover blood in your urine or semen, experience erectile issues and have pelvic or back pain.
- Aggressive prostate cancer symptoms: unexplained weight loss, bone pain, consistent fatigue and swelling in the area. If you’re worried at all consult your GP or Healthcare Professional.
How to Check Prostate Health
- Prostate blood test (PSA): This measures Prostate Specific Antigen and we have developed an at home test to check if these are elevated.
- Prostate examination procedure (DRE): A physical test includes a doctor checking for lumps around your prostate area.
- Prostate biopsy: your GP or Healthcare Professional may require you to have a biopsy to help diagnose the issue. This looks at cancer cell patterns (reported as Gleason score, not “cell count”) to see if it is present.
- Imaging: your GP or Healthcare Professional may order an MRI scan for clearer diagnosis of the affected area and the cells within it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the prostate gland and what does it do?
The prostate is a small gland that produces seminal fluid. It sits just below the bladder and surrounds the urethra. Its main job is supporting male fertility.
What are the symptoms of an enlarged prostate?
Enlarged prostate symptoms include:
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Difficulty starting or stopping urination
- Weak urine flow
- Feeling the bladder isn’t empty
Some men also report pelvic pressure or pain.
How large can the prostate grow?
A normal prostate is about the size of a walnut (20–25g). In cases of BPH, it can grow to over 100g, about the size of an orange.
How do you diagnose an enlarged prostate?
Doctors use a combination of symptom checks, digital rectal examination (DRE), PSA blood test, and sometimes an ultrasound or urine flow study.
How do you check prostate health?
Checking prostate health involves a PSA blood test, a rectal exam, and if needed, MRI or biopsy. Men over 50, or 40 with a family history, should discuss regular checks with their GP.
Can you detect prostate cancer with a blood test?
Yes, the PSA test measures Prostate Specific Antigen in the blood. High levels can indicate prostate cancer, but can also be caused by an enlarged prostate or infection. Follow-up tests are usually required.
What is a prostate cancer cell count?
There isn’t a simple “cell count.” Instead, biopsies assess how many abnormal cells are present and how aggressive they are, using the Gleason score.
What is the prostate examination procedure?
A doctor performs a digital rectal exam (DRE) by inserting a gloved finger into the rectum to feel for lumps, hard spots, or irregularities.
What are the first signs of prostate problems?
Early symptoms could involve issues with urination: weak flow, frequent trips at night, urgency, or difficulty starting. These can be due to either BPH or prostate cancer.
Where can I find prostate cancer pamphlets and patient information leaflets?
Prostate cancer pamphlets and patient information leaflets are available from the Prostate Cancer Foundation NZ and Cancer Society NZ.
What are the causes of prostate cancer?
There isn’t one cause, but risks increase with age, genetics, family history, and ethnicity.
At-Home Prostate Screening with Smith Biomed
For men who want an easy first step in checking their prostate health, Smith Biomed’s PSA Rapid Test Cassette provides a safe, accurate, and convenient way to screen for elevated PSA levels at home.
Results are available in just 10 minutes, helping you decide whether further follow-up with your doctor is needed.
Our tests are widely available through Chemist Warehouse, local pharmacies, and selected online retailers across New Zealand, making proactive prostate health screening more accessible than ever.