Blood in urine? Get it checked
Professor Mark Frydenberg AM, talks about the importance of seeing your GP and urologist if you notice blood in your urine. Video Transcript I’m Mark Frydenberg, one of the urologists at Australian Urology Associates and I wanted to talk to you about a condition called haematuria which is blood in the urine. [Follow our YouTube Channel] This is in fact an extremely common urinary symptom and is something that is often not associated with serious pathology. Indeed, the most common cause of blood in the urine in both men and women is not serious in that the most common cause in the male is simply a burst blood vessel from their prostate gland and usually the most common cause in a female is from an infection. Having said that the reason that it’s very important this is investigated is that in a small five to ten percent of patients it can be due to something more serious, and this means a malignancy or a cancer in the kidney or a cancer in the bladder and these absolutely need to be excluded even if there’s only one single episode of bleeding in the urine. As such, bleeding in the urine should never be ignored and should always be presented to your general practitioner, who should refer you on to urologists such as ourselves. Typically, you will be ordered to have some sort of imaging to look at your kidneys and this would either be in the form of a CT scan or alternatively a urinary tract ultrasound and this is specific specifically done in order to try and rule out a kidney tumour. In addition to that, you will often have a urine test called the urine cytology as well as a urine culture to rule out an infection. The urine cytology is looking for malignant cells in the urine, so we want to try and determine whether there’s any of these present, which would obviously raise the possibility of a malignancy within the urinary tract. The last thing that would be recommended is a cystoscopy, which is a very simple telescopic examination of the bladder which is often done under local anaesthesia and can even be done in our offices. The purpose of this is to make sure that we’re not missing a polyp or growth within the bladder that could potentially be malignant and cause harm. If there are any questions about this, please don’t hesitate to ask the urologist at Australian Urology Associates, and thanks very much for your attention.
Cabrini leads the charge in Prostate Cancer Research during awareness month
As originally published by Cabrini Health at cabrini.com.au During Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, we are reminded that Cabrini stands at the forefront of ground-breaking research and treatment, offering hope to thousands of Australian men affected by this pervasive disease. Prostate cancer remains the most diagnosed cancer in Australian men, with alarming statistics: 1 in 12 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer by age 70 1 in 5 men will face a prostate cancer diagnosis in their lifetime Approximately 25,500 new cases are diagnosed in Australia each year Tragically, 10 men die each day from prostate cancer The hospital’s Department of Urology, led by the esteemed Professor Mark Frydenberg AM, treats an impressive 700 prostate cancer patients annually representing 13% of all cases in Victoria. “Our vision is clear,” states Professor Frydenberg. “We aim to improve both survival rates and quality of life for patients with prostate cancer. This involves enhancing early detection, reducing treatment side-effects, expanding options for advanced cases, minimising invasive interventions, and providing personalised care.” Cabrini’s Department of Urology is revolutionising prostate cancer research through five key pillars: Preclinical Models: The MURAL Collection, a library of patient-derived xenografts, allows researchers to replicate the diverse biology of prostate cancer in laboratory settings. Theranostics: In partnership with GenesisCare, Cabrini is pioneering the use of theranostics—a cutting-edge approach that combines diagnostics and therapeutics to precisely target cancer cells. Precision Therapies: The Cabrini Focal Therapy Database is enhancing patient selection for targeted treatments, while research into radioligand therapy aims to make this treatment accessible to more patients. Advanced Imaging: Cabrini leads in the application of MRI and PET/CT scans for improved diagnostic accuracy and treatment guidance. Machine Learning: Collaboration on projects like ArteraAI is streamlining diagnoses through sophisticated AI models, revolutionising how prostate cancer is detected and assessed. As we commemorate Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Cabrini’s work reminds us of the power of research and innovation. However, this vital endeavour relies heavily on the generosity of donors who understand that today’s investments pave the way for tomorrow’s breakthroughs. Cabrini’s Department of Urology, in partnership with Monash University BDI, are reducing the burden of prostate cancer and improving outcomes for countless Australian men and their families. Remember, early detection saves lives. This Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, let’s spread the word, support cutting-edge research, and stand united in the fight against prostate cancer. Learn more about Cabrini Urology Department
