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Prostate cancer is one the biggest threats to men’s health. One in nine Aussie men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime. Each year, almost 19,000 new cases are diagnosed and 3,000 men die of it.
Sadly, many blokes don't know the symptoms, how they can be tested for it, or how the disease is treated. This is unfortunate because - like many cancers - the earlier prostate cancer is diagnosed, the greater the chances of it being successfully treated.
Call nib on 13 14 63 and check your health insurance to find out which in-hospital prostate cancer treatments you’re covered for.
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Prostate cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the prostate gland, a gland near the base of the penis that produces part of the fluid in semen. When cells in the prostate become cancerous (malignant), they initially form small islands of cancer that are confined to the prostate. This localised form of cancer affects about one-third of men as they grow older. In many cases, it takes years - or even decades - for this limited cancer to grow beyond the prostate gland's tough outer capsule.
If cancer grows beyond the prostate gland, it may invade surrounding parts of the bladder and urethra, causing problems with urination. The cancer may also spread to nearby lymph nodes, or to the bones, liver or rectum. Prostate cancer that has spread to lymph nodes or other organs usually cannot be cured, although it can often be kept under control for a number of years with medical therapy.
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When limited to the prostate gland alone, the symptoms of prostate cancer aren’t always noticeable. Which is why, an annual check-up for men over the age of 50 is advised. In cases where there are known risk factors for the condition, men should get tested earlier than 50.
It's scary to know that early stage prostate cancer may not have any symptoms at all, which is just one good reason why all men should have a comprehensive medical check up every year.
The symptoms of prostate cancer that has grown to involve the urethra (urine tube) or bladder outlet, may include:
• Difficulty in urination
• Decreased force of the urine stream
• Frequency (urinating more often than normal)
• Urgency (an intense need to urinate)
• Urinary retention (a sudden inability to pass urine)
• Repeated urinary tract infections
• Blood in the urine or semen
More symptoms of Prostate cancer
If prostate cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it can cause lymphadenopathy (swollen glands), bone pain, weight loss, anaemia, shortness of breath and various other symptoms.
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Although it’s a fairly common in older men, there are a number of additional risk factors that may increase your chances of developing prostate cancer. These include:
If you have a close relative such as a father or brother with prostate cancer, your risk is increased five to 10 times more than the average man. Genetic (inherited) factors may be responsible for around half of the rare prostate cancers that develop in men under the age of 55.
Prostate cancer is seldom diagnosed before the age of 40, and over 75 per cent of all prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over age 65. Still, that means 25% of prostate cancers are in men under 65.
Some racial groups, (e.g. African Americans) are at far higher risk than Asians and Caucasians.
The disease is common in North America and North-western Europe, but is rare in Asia, Africa and South America.
A diet rich in fat and especially smoked and burned meat can increase the risk of not only prostate cancer, but also breast and colorectal cancer. (Yes, men can get breast cancer too!)
A recent study published in The Journal of Urology showed that a sedentary lifestyle may impact on the incidence of prostate cancer.
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Caught in its early stages, prostate cancer can be cured especially when the cancer is still confined within the prostate gland. Testing through a blood test - the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) - or Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) are the best ways to determine the presence of Prostate cancer. However, there is still some debate around if, when and how to screen patients for prostate cancer. Speak to your doctor to find out more about these tests.
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The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) recommends that men at age 50 with no family history of prostate cancer, and men at age 40 with a family history, should see their doctor and request an annual PSA blood test together with a Digital Rectal Examination (DRE).
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There are far worse things than getting a Digital RecE. But there’s not much worse than dying before your time of prostate cancer. Many men are unsettled by the thought of having a rectal examination and, sadly, it's enough to put them off getting tested. But like many tests that identify disease (such as women's pap smears) it's better to regard them as unpleasant but necessary. Your doctor will have done many hundreds of tests and this one will be over quickly. The discomfort and embarrassment of having a rectal examination is nothing compared to the prospect of losing your life. If you are over the recommended ages listed above and have never been tested, make sure you talk to your doctor about it soon.
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There are a number of treatments options available and your doctor will discuss these with you and recommend an appropriate strategy based on your individual circumstances. Options include:
• Active surveillance (watchful waiting)
• Surgery with a radical prostatectomy
• Radiation
• High intensity focused ultrasound
• Hormone therapy
Make sure you ask your doctor to tell you why he or she is recommending a particular course of action and to inform you about cure rates, side-effects, where the treatment takes place and the experience of the person who will be treating you.
The type of treatment advised will depend on a number of factors, including - but not limited to - the stage of the cancer, your age and general health, the level of PSA in the bloodstream and the side effects of treatments and how they will impact on your life.
The important thing to remember, once again, is that when diagnosed and treated early, your chances of dealing effectively with this disease are good.
For more information about this disease and treatment options, call the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia on 1800 220 099.
Call nib on 13 14 63 and check your health insurance to find out which in-hospital prostate cancer treatments you’re covered for.
Genetic (inherited) factors may be responsible for around half of the rare prostate cancers that develop in men under the age of 55. 25% of Prostate cancers are in men under 65.
Men at age 50 with no family history of prostate cancer, and men at age 40 with a family history, should see their doctor and request an annual PSA blood test together with a Digital Rectal Examination. The DRE is merely unpleasant. And nothing compared to dying of Prostate cancer.
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Movember changes the face of men’s health every year, as men around the globe grow a moustache during November to raise important funds for Beyond Blue and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, to help in the fight against depression and prostate cancer amongst men.
To celebrate our support of Movember we’re giving you the chance to Win the Ultimate Handlebar - 1 in 10 Malvern Star Oppy C6’s worth $3499 each, so you can pedal your way to better health.
Visit www.thehandlebar.com.au to get involved.
See website for full Terms and Conditions. Entries close 11:59pm AEDST on 30/11/09. Limit 1 entry per person. NSW Permit No. LTPS/09/9315, VIC Permit No. 09/3282, ACT Permit No. TP09/4046, SA Permit No. T09/2430. Pedals are not included with the prize and all costs associated with purchasing pedals are the responsibility of the winner.
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