HOW TO PREVENT PROSTRATE CANCER

Prostate Cancer

 “In November, 2013, I discovered that I had Prostate cancer and I have been treating it. I finished treatment on October 28, 2014 and that’s why I’ve come out to tell the world. Many people start looking at you as if you are a ghost; No! It’s not a death sentence and it is curable.
 I have undergone the treatment and I even have a certificate and medal to show for it, but I don’t normally wear decorations.
I want to use myself to encourage others to take whatever test available in our limited circumstances here and more importantly to encourage those who are in charge of our health to take the cancer menace seriously’’. ………Prof Wole Soyinka
The Nobel Laureate added that he had to make his experience with prostrate cancer public in order to demystify the killer disease, which he assured was curable if detected early.

 Prostate cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system. Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Nigerian men. “Prostate affects only men; it is the commonest type of cancer that kills men.

The cancer cells may spread from the prostate to other parts of the body, particularly the bones and lymph nodes.

Risk Factors

Genetics; if a father had prostate cancer there is a five per cent to 10 per cent risk that the son could have it.

Smoking is a risk factor; if you are a smoker your risk is almost 1.5 per cent increased.

Alcohol: taking of excessive alcohol and sedentary lifestyle increase the risk of prostate cancer.

Men with high blood pressure are more likely to develop prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer occurs more commonly among blacks as they mature in age, particularly above 45 years old, higher levels of testosterone in black men exposed them to higher risks of prostate cancer.

Family history as well as growing older also increases risk of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is more common in men over 50, although younger men can also have it.

Preventions

Men should cultivate the habit of healthy lifestyle which includes a healthy diet and plenty of physical activity.

Lifestyle changes will be in order for those who smoke and drink excessive alcohol.

Men should eat enough fresh or cooked tomatoes in order to reduce the chance of having prostrate cancer infection because of the lycopene contained in tomato.
Lycopene rich foods such as fresh tomatoes and tomato products are potential effectors in the prevention and therapy of prostate cancer.

Symptoms

Early prostate cancer usually causes no symptoms. Sometimes, however, prostate cancer does cause symptoms, often similar to those of diseases such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Weak flow of urine or frequent urination especially at night, other conditions could also cause these symptoms may include trouble starting the flow of urine; pain or feelings while urinating; blood in the urine or semen, dizziness and fatigue, persistent pain in the back, hips, or pelvis, pain during ejaculation.

Diagnosis

A number of tests may be performed to investigate symptoms of prostate cancer and confirm the diagnosis.

Some of the more common tests include: a digital rectal examination (DRE), a blood test to measure levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA), imaging of the prostate, which may include transrectal ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), taking a sample of tissue (biopsy) from the prostate for examination under a microscope.

Treatment

Treatment and care of people with cancer is usually provided by a team of health professionals – called a multidisciplinary team.

Treatment for prostate cancer depends on the stage of the disease, the severity of symptoms and the person’s general health.

Treatment options for prostate cancer can include surgery to remove the prostate, radiotherapy and/ or hormonal therapy (also called androgen deprivation therapy) to destroy cancer cells.

Psychotherapy

People often feel overwhelmed, scared, anxious and upset after a diagnosis of cancer and will need counselling ,support and reassurance. These are all normal feelings.

Detection

Screening is important to detecting prostate cancer early. This is highly recommended for anyone at high risk, such as those with a father, brother, or son diagnosed before age 65, and those with more than one first-degree relative diagnosed at an early age.

Anyone over 40 will need screening tests for prostrates on yearly basis.

Cancer prevention seminar

The strategic health insight (The Hospital) is organising a seminar titled Cancer Prevention…A must. A dietician and a medical rehabilitation specialist have been contacted to talk on role of diet and exercise in cancer prevention. Kindly call 08188343865 or visit www.the-hospitals.com for details.

This will also be accompanied by a screening for prostate, breast cancer and cervical cancer.

Kindly keep a date with me next week for an insightful piece by a gynaecologist on breast and cervical cancer.