Prostate cancer

Common leading cause of death in males

PROSTATE cancer is second most common leading cause of death in males in Fiji and the burden of this cancer is increasing.

Globally, it is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer and the fifth leading cause of cancer death among men worldwide.

The prostate gland is a small gland that lies beneath the urinary bladder and in front of the rectum in males.

The gland surrounds the top end of the urethra which carries urine from the bladder out of the body via the penis.

Prostate cancer is when the cells of the gland begin to grow out of control.

Many prostate cancers grow slowly and are confined to the prostate gland, where they may not cause serious harm. However, while some types of prostate cancer grow slowly and may need minimal or even no treatment, other types are aggressive and can spread quickly.

The cause of prostate cancer is largely unknown, however, certain factors can increase your risk.

OLDER AGE

Your risk of prostate cancer increases as you age. It’s most common after age 40.

RACE

For reasons not yet determined, black people have a greater risk of prostate cancer than do people of other races.

FAMILY HISTORY

If a blood relative, such as a parent, sibling or child, has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, your risk may be increased. Also, if you have a family history of genes that increase the risk of breast cancer or a very strong family history of breast cancer, your risk of prostate cancer may be higher.

OBESITY

People who are obese may have a higher risk of prostate cancer compared with people considered to have a healthy weight, though studies have had mixed results. In obese people, the cancer is more likely to be more aggressive and more likely to return after initial treatment.

Prostate cancer may not present with any signs or symptoms.

Cancer that is more advanced will cause vague urinary symptoms (straining to pass urine, increase in the urge to pass urine, a feeling that your bladder is not empty), pain or burning when you pass urine, loss of bladder control (urinary incontinence), loss of bowel control (fecal incontinence), painful ejaculation and erectile dysfunction, blood in semen or urine, pain in your low back, hip or chest.

These signs and symptoms can also be indicative of other health issues and are not limited to prostate cancer.

It is advised to seek medical attention if you develop signs and symptoms so that tests can be done to determine whether you have cancer or not.

Screening tests are done for males in the ages of 40 and above through physical examinations and blood tests.

You might consider starting the discussions sooner if you’re a black person, have a family history of prostate cancer or have other risk factors.

SCREENING TESTS INCLUDE:

■ Digital rectal exam (DRE). During a DRE, your doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into your rectum to examine your prostate, which is adjacent to the rectum. If your doctor finds any abnormalities in the texture, shape or size of the gland, you may need further tests.

■ Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. A blood sample is drawn and analysed for PSA, a substance that’s naturally produced by your prostate gland.

It’s normal for a small amount of PSA to be in your bloodstream. However, if a higher than usual level is found, it may indicate prostate infection, inflammation, enlargement or cancer.

Depending on the screening tests, doctors will recommend further tests if they find something suspicious or continue screening to monitor your prostate.

If you or your loved one are experiencing any signs and symptoms, seek advice from your doctor and get screened.

Awareness of prostate cancer will assist in early detection of cancer and help save lives.

DR DEEPTIKA SHARMA