The Cayman Islands Cancer Society is observing November as Cancer Awareness Month for men. In this article, we provide men with an overview of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in men. However, the odds of surviving a prostate cancer diagnosis are very high especially when detected and treated at an early stage.
The prostate is part of the male reproductive system. It is located in front of the rectum and below the bladder. Prostate cancer is diagnosed when cells in the prostate behave abnormally and multiply without control, forming a malignant tumour.
In general it is a slow-growing cancer and this in part has led to prostate cancer being called an ‘old man’s disease’. Autopsy results of men who died from conditions other than prostate cancer reveal that many older men had prostate cancer but it never affected them when they were alive and they never knew they had it.
Different cancers have different risk factors. One of the most significant risk factors for prostate cancer is ethnic background with men of African descent being at greatest risk. Men in the Caribbean, who are often of African descent, are therefore at increased risk for this condition.
Family history, particularly if you brother or father has been diagnosed with prostate cancer can double a man’s risk for also developing the condition.
This risk is even greater if the diagnosis was made at an early age. There is also evidence to suggest that some cases of prostate cancer may be caused by inheriting a damaged gene, for example a mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. This is the same gene that is associated with breast and ovarian cancers in women.
The role of diet is controversial, especially when discussing the prevention of prostate cancer. Some studies have suggested that men who eat foods rich in a substance called lycopenes, such as tomatoes, pink grapefruit, watermelon and papaya may lower their risk of prostate cancer but the results of other studies are inconclusive. Foods rich in selenium including liver, seafood, some grains and nuts may also lower risk.
Additionally there is evidence to suggest that vitamin D obtained through exposure to sunlight may lower the risk for developing prostate cancer. Men should not however, take this research has an excuse for prolonged and unprotected sun exposure as this will increase the risk for all types of skin cancers.
The most common alarm bell that will sound for a man that may signal prostate cancer is a change in his pattern of urination.
However, the symptoms named below can also be signs of other medical conditions, including benign prostate disease. Males are therefore urged to consult with their physician whenever they notice any of the following; a weak or interrupted flow of urine; trouble urinating; pain or burning during urination; frequency of urination especially at night; urgency to urinate; or blood in the urine. Additionally, if they experience painful ejaculation, they should consult a doctor.
The issue of screening for prostate cancer will be discussed in next week’s instalment.
Once prostate cancer has been diagnosed there are a range of treatment options available and a man should be guided by the advice of his physician.
Many of these treatments have two common side effects – impotence and incontinence – but these can often be managed by medication and other means often allowing a man to lead a normal life after prostate cancer.
For more information on breast cancer in men contact the Cayman Islands Cancer Society by calling 949-7618 or emailing [email protected].
Related Videos
