MEN BREAKING BARRIERS Cancer Trust

Silence is not a cure, and ignorance is not prevention.

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1.)  WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PROSTATE CANCER

 

Prostate cancer is a malignant (cancerous) tumour (growth) that consists of cells from the prostate gland. The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system. The prostate makes and stores a component of semen and is located in the pelvis, under the bladder and in front of the rectum. The prostate surrounds part of the urethra, the tube that empties urine from the bladder. A healthy prostate is about the size of a walnut.

As men get older their prostate gland often enlarges. This is usually not due to cancer. It is a condition called 'benign prostatic hyperplasia'.

A benign tumour is a non-life threatening tumour that grows slowly and rarely becomes malignant. It is often surrounded by a fibrous capsule, which makes it easy to remove by surgery. Benign tumours do not spread. They may grow to a large size but they do not go to other parts of the body.

Malignant tumours have the ability to spread by sending off seedlings of tumour which can pass through the blood or lymphatic system to other parts of the body. These seedlings then settle in other organs and form what are called secondary tumours or metastases.

The word cancer only applies to malignant tumours. There is no such thing as a

benign cancer. So, by definition, all cancers are malignant tumours.

 

The symptoms of both benign (non cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) tumours are similar

· Having to rush to the toilet to pass urine  

· Difficulty in passing urine  

· Passing urine more often than usual, especially at night  

· Pain on passing urine  

· Blood in the urine or semen

 

The last two symptoms - pain and blood - are rare in prostate cancer

 

What causes prostate symptoms?
With both prostate cancers and non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate, the symptoms are usually caused because the growth presses on the urethra and blocks the flow of urine

 

Other symptoms of prostate cancer
Cancer of the prostate often grows slowly, especially in older men. Symptoms may be mild and occur over many years. Sometimes the first symptoms are from prostate cancer cells which have spread to your bones. This may cause pain in your back, hips, pelvis and other bony areas. Other suspicious symptoms are weight loss, particularly in elderly men, and difficulty getting an erection (where you haven't had difficulty before).

 

Remember - if you have any symptoms you should be checked by the doctor. But most enlargements of the prostate are benign. That means they are not cancer and can be easily treated.

Prostate Cancer

2.)  WHY IS INFORMATION ON PROSTATE CANCER IMPORTANT?

Cancer is now a major cause of mortality throughout the world. According to a World Health Organization publication on cancer trends, between the years 2000 and 2020, the total number of cases of cancer in the developing world is predicted to increase by 73% and, in the developed world, to increase by 29%, largely as a result of an increase in the number of old people.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men and the second leading cause of deaths from cancer, after lung cancer.

 

Who is at risk for prostate cancer?

 

An important risk factor is age; more than 70 percent of men diagnosed with this disease are over the age of 65. Men of African origin (black) have a substantially higher risk of prostate cancer than white men, including Hispanic men. Dramatic differences in the incidence of prostate cancer are also seen in different populations around the world. There is some evidence that dietary factors are involved, such as vitamin E and selenium, which may have a protective effect. Genetic factors also appear to play a role, particularly for families in which the diagnosis is made in men under age 60. The risk of prostate cancer rises with the number of close relatives who have the disease.

 

Note: Most experts in this field recommend that beginning at age 40, all men should undergo yearly screening for prostate cancer

3.)   THE IMPORTANCE OF MEDICAL CHECKUPS

 

Most of us make a visit to the doctor’s office only when we have a medical problem.  Most of the time, people learn about their troublesome health and medical condition, like cancer and stroke, when it's already too late to be treated. No matter how busy we are, health and medical experts say we should always subject ourselves to regular check-ups. It is so normal for us to visit the doctor only when we feel there's something wrong. But the thing is, not all symptoms of deadly illnesses can easily be felt and seen. For instance, a woman who has breast cancer may never notice the small lump in her right breast until she takes some time to self-assess her breasts.

Most of the time, people learn about their troublesome health and medical condition, like cancer and stroke, when it's already too late to be treated.

The old saying “prevention is better than cure” is very true. Regular check-ups will pick up any potential problems, allowing you to take steps in either preventing them or beginning early treatment.

Some of the tests we should undergo amongst others are prostate and testicular examination for men and breast cancer screening as well as pap smear for women.

 

NOTE: Remember, cancer can have no noticeable symptoms in its early stages and this is the time it can be more readily be cured. So talk with your doctor about the screenings you need now and in the coming years. Take advantage and take control of the choices you have for a healthy future.

 

Men Breaking Barriers Cancer Trust - a registered Zambian Charity

A three-part article on Prostate Cancer written by Men Breaking Barriers Cancer Trust, a Zambian Registered Charity.

1. What You Need To Know About Prostate Cancer

2. Why Is Information On Prostate Cancer Important?

3. The Importance Of Medical Check-Ups