~ Weekly Health Advice from PMGH – Prostate Cancer ~

Welcome to another health update from Port Moresby General Hospital. This week we are focusing on prostate cancer and the importance of regular screening.

When was the last time you had your prostate checked? Getting screened could save your life.

For more information, please contact info@portmoresbygeneralhospital.com

What is a Prostate?

The prostate is a walnut-sized gland which is a part of the male reproductive system; it is located behind the base of a man’s penis, in front of the rectum, and below the bladder. It surrounds the urethra, the tube-like channel that carries urine and semen through the penis. The prostate's main function is to make seminal fluid, the liquid in semen that protects, supports and helps transport sperm. Growing older raises your risk of prostate problems the three most common causes being inflammation (prostatitis), enlarged prostate (BPH, or benign prostatic hyperplasia), and prostate cancer. If you are experiencing any changes in urination such as getting up more at night to urinate, urgency or trouble urinating this should be evaluated by your doctor. Talk to your doctor about a regular prostate cancer screening that’s right for you.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer occurs when abnormal cells develop in the prostate. These abnormal cells can continue to multiply in an uncontrolled way and sometimes spread outside the prostate into nearby or distant parts of the body. Prostate cancer is generally a slow growing disease and the majority of men with low-grade prostate cancer live for many years without symptoms or without it spreading or becoming life threatening; however, high-grade disease spreads quickly and can be lethal. Appropriate management is key. In 2012 there was an estimated 307,000 deaths from prostate cancer according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer making it the fifth leading cause of death from cancer in men.

Prostate Cancer Risk Factors:

Research shows that men with certain risk factors are more likely to develop prostate cancer including:

Age over 65: this is the main risk factor for prostate cancer. The older a man gets, the more likely he will develop prostate cancer. This disease is rare in men under 45 years of age.

Family History: one’s risk of prostate cancer is higher if you have a father, brother or son with prostate cancer.

Race: Prostate cancer is more common among African-American men and less common among Asian/Pacific Islanders, Native American, and Native Alaskan men.

Certain Prostate Changes: Men with cells called high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) may be at increased risk for prostate cancer.

Certain Genome Changes: research suggests that the risk for prostate cancer many be linked to specific changes on particular chromosomes.

Prostate Cancer Symptoms

The Australian Cancer Research Foundation identifies that the symptoms of prostate cancer can include:

- Waking frequently at night to urinate

- Difficulty in starting to urinate

- Sudden or urgent need to urinate

- Reduced ability to get an erection

- Slow flow of urine and difficulty in stopping

- Discomfort when urinating

- Blood in the urine or semen

- Painful ejaculation

- Decrease in libido

Remember: If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is important to have these evaluated by your doctor. Please note the above symptoms may be caused by other conditions and does not necessarily mean cancer is present. Talk to your doctor.

Diagnosis and Treatment

A doctor will usually perform a physical examination and/or a blood test to check the health of the prostate and possible prostate cancer. A physical examination entails inserting a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum which allows your doctor to feel the size of the prostate and check for any abnormalities. A blood test (Prostate Specific Antigen – PSA) and a biopsy may also be required on advice from your doctor. The treatment of prostate cancer will depend on many factors such as the type of cancer, whether it has spread (metastasized), a patient’s age, general health, and if they have received any prior prostate treatments, however, treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy or for some active surveillance “watchful waiting” which is only suggested when a patient is not showing any symptoms and the cancer is expected to grow very slowly. This approach is sometimes suited for men who are older or have other serious health problems.

Reduce your Risk of Prostate Cancer

While there is no proven way to prevent prostate cancer there are some things you can do to reduce your risk such as:

Choose a healthy diet: Healthy eating is a first step in reducing your cancer risk. Poor eating habits increase your risk of cancer in many sites in the body. Poor eating habits can also contribute to weight gain, and being overweight or obese increases your risk of cancer. The good news is that a healthy diet, combined with regular physical activity and a healthy body weight can reduce cancer risk.

Eat fish: Omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids (FAs) are associated with a range of health benefits. Oily fish such as swordfish, atlantic salmon, and spanish mackerel, are rich sources of n-3 FAs. While research is still ongoing, the cancer council of Australia recommends people eat eat fish (preferably oily) at least two times per week; and include some plant foods and oils rich in n-3 FAs in their diet.

Exercise: Regular exercise is good for your general health, those who keep active are more likely to be a healthy weight and less likely to develop health problems such as heart disease and some cancers. While research hasn’t confirmed whether physical activity can help prevent prostate cancer studies suggest it can reduce your risk, particularly in aggressive prostate cancers. Vigorous exercise may be better than light exercise – but any exercise is better than none at all according to Prostate Cancer UK. New to exercise? Talk to your doctor and remember to start slow. Try to aim for 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.

Regular health checks: Talk to your doctor about a regular prostate cancer screening that’s right for you. If you experience any new symptoms or any changes in symptoms talk to your doctor.

For more information, please contact info@portmoresbygeneralhospital.com

 

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