Spotlight on Urology

Spotlight on Urology takes a look at recent activities undertaken to advance urology around the world. This week, we share an update on recent media for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month as well as wrap-ups of the recent ERUS and Sao Paulo meetings.

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

USANZ Members continue to feature in media discussion of this important public health issue, following the USANZ Media Release about the new testing guidelines. This follows the previous announcement of media coverage on 11 September.

This week, USANZ Genitourinary Oncology SAG Leader Weranja Ranasinghe was interviewed by two radio stations about the guidelines, speaking with Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Brisbane Mornings on 15 September as well as Evan Wallace on ABC Queensland’s Southern Drive program on 16 September.

He reinforced the need for men to begin discussing PSA testing with their GP, especially if they have increased risk factors. He also provided clear explanations about pathways if an elevated PSA result is returned, including MRI, active surveillance and treatment options. Regarding MRI, Weranja noted: “I think it is a massive game changer. If the MRI does not show anything suspicious, we do not biopsy most people. If it does show something, it allows us to accurately target that area.”

Prostate cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, accounting for around one-third of all new male cancer diagnoses. Nearly 29,000 Australian men were diagnosed in 2025, with approximately 4,000 prostate cancer-related deaths recorded during the year. The key message is that early diagnosis allows for more treatment options and greater chance of recovery.

Listen to Weranja on Queensland Southern Drive (interview commences 1.21.15) and 4BC with Gary Hardgrave.

In addition, Starts at 60, an Australian online news platform, published an article for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. The article included interviews with Weranja as well as a patient, Norman Beck. Norman, at age 73, experienced mild incontinence which led to a prostate cancer diagnosis and, eventually his decision to undergo a prostatectomy via robotic keyhole surgery. Norman echoes the advice from the Guidelines: “Don’t be embarrassed to talk about these things with a GP.”

Read the article in Startsat60, titled "Norman thought his toilet troubles were down to coffee. It turned out to be prostate cancer."

Thank you Weranja for continuing to represent USANZ and promote greater community awareness of prostate cancer.

ERUS Meeting

The European Association of Urology Robotic Urology Section (ERUS) Meeting was held in Padua, Italy from 9 to 11 September. More than 1,200 delegates attended ERUS26, including approximately 30 representatives from Australia and New Zealand.

At the meeting, USANZ Member Dale Wood was presented with the prestigious Alex Mottrie Award. This is awarded to the best-performing fellow in the CC-ERUS robotic surgery program. Earlier in the year, Dale attended the robotic surgery course at the Orsi Academy in Belgium, under the umbrella of the ERUS. At the conclusion of the course Dale submitted a recording of one of his robotic radical prostatectomy. It was judged on technical proficiency and case complexity, earning the top result among the participating fellows. This is an outstanding recognition of Dale’s skill and the robotic surgery training delivered at Nepean Hospital.

Congratulations Dale on this prestigious award!

Also at ERUS26, USANZ Member Professor Declan Murphy promoted the USANZ 2027 ASM during his Plenary Lecture. This comes as preparations continue for the ASM, to be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from 27 February to 2 March 2027. Declan highlighted that the International Faculty as well as the news that the Harry Harris Oration at the ASM will be delivered by former Wallabies captain John Eales AM.Great to see USANZ's ASM on the world stage!

Sao Paulo Meeting

The São Paulo Meeting of Urology, organised by the Brazilian Society of Urology (SBU - São Paulo Section), was held from 3 to 6 September 2026. Following an EOI earlier in the year, the USANZ Lecture was given by Jeremy Grummet. Jeremy provided the following reflections and photographs from his time in Brazil.

On behalf of USANZ, I presented 4 talks at the 4-day Paulista Congress of Urology, covering focal therapy, TP biopsy, PSMA PET and AI in robotic surgery. This event is possibly the 3rd largest urology conference in the world, attracting delegates from all over South America and speakers from around the world.

My interactions with our Brazilian colleagues were always fascinating, hearing how they practise our craft within the limitations of their own system, but with the most rigorous of academic ideals. Their hospitality was outstanding, always making sure I was looked after throughout the conference and for the social events every night.

I strongly encourage USANZ to keep strengthening our ties, as Vincent Tse has done, with the SBU for the benefit of both Societies. There is so much opportunity for mutual learning, fellowship and fun! The next Brazilian conference is in Rio de Janeiro November 20 in 2027. I hope USANZ members consider attending what will no doubt be an extraordinary event.

Thank you Jeremy for sending through these reflections and for representing USANZ!