Clicks BroNation: Understanding Prostate Cancer

In South Africa, the lifetime risk for prostate cancer is one in 15, and it shows “significant increases”, says Professor Michael Herbst, health specialist consultant for the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA).
 
The risk for prostate cancer is higher if you are older, obese or overweight, and have a family history of prostate cancer or breast cancer among first degree relatives (a parent, child or sibling), he says. “International and local research also indicates that the risk for aggressive prostate cancer is higher in black men. It tends to run in families, so it’s important for men to know their family cancer history – ask your relatives.”

What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer develops in your prostate, a gland the size of a walnut, lying in front of your rectum just below your bladder and above your penis. It produces fluid that combines with sperm from your testicles to form semen.

If cancer develops, there are no signs in the early stages, making regular screening vital, says Prof Herbst. Later symptoms include a frequent purge to pee, especially at night; difficulty starting or stopping the flow, or having a weak or interrupted flow; pain or burning when you pee or ejaculate; and blood in your urine or semen. “Advanced cancer can cause deep pain in the lower back, hips or upper thighs,” he says.

If you notice these symptoms, see your health provider immediately for a diagnosis. And if you don’t notice any, take steps to prevent it.

How can you lower your risk of prostate cancer?

You can help lower your risk of prostate cancer by eating a healthy diet, with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, and maintaining a healthy weight, says Prof Herbst. Studies suggest that lycopene, an antioxidant in cooked tomatoes (tomato paste and tomato sauce), and isoflavones in soybeans may help prevent some prostate cancers, he adds. “But so far, most research suggests a balanced healthy diet is probably of greater benefit that eating specific foods or taking dietary supplements.”

It is important to go for routine testing, to detect and treat prostate cancer before it becomes a threat to your lifestyle – or your life.

How is prostate cancer detected?

The gold standard for detection is prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing, says Prof Herbst. It measures the amount of PSA in your blood, and can be done by your health provider, or at a CANSA clinic or Clicks clinic.

PSA is a protein produced by both cancerous and non-cancerous prostate tissue, and high levels in your blood test may indicate inflammation of the prostate and possibly cancer. “All men should go for PSA testing at least once every two years from age 50,” Prof Herbst says. “Go annually from age 45 if you are at higher risk, or from age 40 if you have more than one first-degree male relative who had prostate cancer before age 65, or a family history of first-degree female relatives diagnosed with breast cancer linked to the BRCA1 or 2 gene mutation.”

From age 50, it is also advisable to have a digital rectal exam annually to check for lumps, he says. “There’s no need to be embarrassed, and it’s just a moment of minor discomfort.”

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What to do if you test positive for prostate cancer

If you have a high PSA score or a lump is discovered, you will be referred to a urologist. They may use ultrasound or an MRI to decide if you need a biopsy (a needle inserted to obtain cells for analysis). If prostate cancer is confirmed, today there are a range of options, and they are more precise, less invasive and more personalised than in the past.

“Most prostate cancers are slow growing, so take time to research options and discuss them with your health provider,” advises Prof Herbst. Treatments may range from simply monitoring the cancer (‘active surveillance’ or ‘watchful waiting’), to removing the prostate surgically, using radiation to kill cancer cells (via an external beam or an implanted radioactive seed), hormone therapy, immunotherapy or chemotherapy.

A cancer diagnosis can be daunting, concedes Prof Herbst, himself a cancer survivor. “But today there is support available through organisations like CANSA, where you can join a group with others in the same situation.”

For more information, visit cansa.org.za, email [email protected], call 0800 22 66 22 or WhatsApp: 072 1979305.

IMAGE CREDIT: 123rf.com