Combating cancer

I READ with great interest and concern the article last month (February 24) by Spike Farrell on his struggle with prostate cancer and with the apt title “Check that prostate”.

The writer is absolutely spoton in his impassioned call for men to go for routine check-ups of their prostates, because an early detection can make all the difference.

Of more concern to me is Mr Farrell’s experience that “the pain and problems would come from the treatment”. Sadly not all patients are given balanced information on all available treatment options for early prostate cancer, and are often not informed of potentially severe side effects.

I would therefore urge all men diagnosed with prostate cancer to get fully informed or get a second opinion before deciding on their preferred treatment options.

One of South Africa’s top urologists, Professor Andre van der Merwe, found in a 2015 study that the use of brachytherapy in South Africa is 73% above the international norm.

I was also concerned with Mr Farrell’s statement about all men being incontinent or impotent after surgery. Robotic assisted radical prostatectomy offers excellent long-term cure rates, with recovery of continence rapidly and return of erectile function in a significant proportion of men. As opposed to open surgery, it is the least intrusive method and allows patients to be back in action after a few weeks.

Doctors treating people with prostate cancer are obliged to canvass the range of treatment options, as well as the risks associated with them. If they do not do this, they are being irresponsible.

I wish Mr Farrell all the best with his treatment and health.