When 71-year-old Peter Coombe went for a routine blood test, he had no idea it would lead to a prostate biopsy, or reveal the importance of getting checked before warning signs appear.
Like many men his age, Peter Coombe wasn’t experiencing any obvious health problems when he visited his GP, after all, there were no alarming symptoms, no major warning signs and nothing that suggested something might need a closer look.
But a routine blood test raised a concern that started a chain of further investigations.
“The biggest surprise for me was that I had no symptoms at all,” Peter said.
“If my GP hadn’t picked up something unusual in a routine blood test and sent me for further investigation, I would never have known anything was wrong.”
The 71-year-old underwent additional scans and tests before doctors recommended a prostate biopsy to better understand what was happening.
“The scans showed there was something in my prostate, but they couldn’t tell exactly what it was, so the next step was a biopsy to get the answers we needed,” he said.
While the thought of a prostate biopsy can create anxiety for many men, Peter said having the process clearly explained made a significant difference.
“The first time I heard I needed a biopsy I felt unsettled, but for me it was about finding out exactly what was going on,” he said.
“My specialist took the time to explain everything clearly, including the different biopsy options, what each involved and why a biopsy was so important.”
Peter underwent a local anaesthetic transperineal (LATP) prostate biopsy, a procedure designed to avoid the need for a general anaesthetic and hospital admission for eligible patients.
For Peter, who lives four hours from Adelaide, that made a big difference.
“To be honest, I wasn’t so much worried about the biopsy itself as I was about the logistics around it,” he said.
“I was thinking about the long drive, the travel, and whether I’d have to stay overnight or recover from a general anaesthetic. That would have made it a much bigger ordeal.”
Instead, Peter was able to have the procedure and return home the same day.
“It was much better than I expected,” he said.
“I did feel a bit uncomfortable on the drive home, which the nurses had prepared me for, and the next day I felt a bit tired and run down, probably for about a day-and-a-half.
“But overall, the recovery was much easier than I’d expected, and being able to avoid a general anaesthetic and get back home the same day was a real advantage for me.”
Specialist consultant urologist Dr Ned Kinnear said prostate biopsy techniques had changed significantly over time. Years ago, many prostate biopsies were performed through the rectum but today, transperineal biopsies, which access the prostate through the skin between the scrotum and anus, have become more common because of their lower infection risk.
“With the option to perform a transperineal biopsy under local anaesthetic, patients can avoid the side effects of a general anaesthetic, and all patients return home the same day,” Dr Kinnear said.
The procedure is also helping change how some services are delivered. In a South Australian first, urology nurse practitioner Narelle Gregor is being trained to perform LATP prostate biopsies, expanding access for eligible patients.
Dr Kinnear said moving suitable procedures into outpatient settings could help improve availability and reduce pressure on operating theatres.
“Ultimately, this means more men can access timely diagnosis, which is critical because earlier diagnosis gives patients more treatment options and can improve outcomes,” he said.
The key message is that men should not assume feeling well means there is nothing happening, according to Dr Kinnear.
“Prostate cancer often has no symptoms,” he said. “Many cases are first detected through a routine PSA blood test or clinical assessment, before a man notices anything is wrong.”
Peter’s advice to other men is simple – don’t let fear stop you from getting answers.
“I’d say don’t put it off,” he said. “I know the idea of a prostate biopsy can make people anxious, but my experience was much better than I expected. I’d much rather know what’s going on than leave it to chance.”
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Please please please.....men get tested. My late husband was only 59 when diagnosed with Stage 4 Prostate cancer. He could not be saved. Take care of your health.
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