Prostate cancer is curable if detected early

“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.

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“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 tests are 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.

he Nobel Laureate added that he had to make his experience with prostate cancer public in order to demystify the disease, which he says is 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.

This cancer affects only men and it is the commonest type of cancer that kills men, as 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 five- to 10 per cent risk that the son could have it.

Smoking is also 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. One reason is that higher levels of testosterone in black men expose 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.

Prevention

Men should cultivate the habit of healthy lifestyle which include 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 prostate cancer 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, is a culprit.

Other conditions could also cause these symptoms, and they may include trouble starting the flow of urine; pain 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, a blood test to measure levels of prostate specific antigen, imaging of the prostate, which may include transrectal ultrasound, computed tomography scan or magnetic resonance imaging, 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 prostate on a yearly basis.

Cancer prevention seminar

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