Most men to think about their prostate health before it starts causing problems.
In 2022, 18,019 cases of prostate cancer was recorded in Nigeria, accounting for 37.5% of all cancer cases in men that year.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, yet it often grows silently, showing no obvious symptoms in the early stages.
By the time it is ready to make itself known, the battle is way tougher.
However, there is good news. Early detection can be a typical game-changer.
It is one of the most common cancers in men
It starts in the prostate gland, a part of the male reproductive system located just below the bladder.
This gland produces fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.
The fluid is rich in zinc, enzymes, and citric acid and adds up to the volume of semen.
Apart from adding to the semen volume, the fluid also lubricates the urethra.
The prostate is crucial for male fertility, producing seminal fluid that protects and nourishes sperm during ejaculation.
Despite its small size, its health is vital for overall sexual well-being.
What are its symptoms?
It often develops slowly and may not show symptoms early.
When symptoms do appear, they can include:
-Difficulty in urination
-Frequent urination, that may worsen at night
-Weak flow of urine
-Presence of blood in your urine or semen
-Persistent back, pain in the hips, or waist
What are the risk factors?
-Age: Most cases occur in men over 50, however men from 40 years should get screened for PSA level .
-Family History: Men with close relatives who had prostate cancer are at higher risk.
-Ethnicity: Men of African descent face a greater risk and are often diagnosed at advanced stages.
-Genetics: Having a father or brother with it more than doubles the risk. Genetic changes can also increase risk.
In the early stages of prostate cancer, it is usually confined to the prostate.
However, in the later stages, the cancer spreads to other parts of the body.
Testing for prostate cancer
The PSA test is used to check for the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your blood.
When the PSA levels is high, it may indicate prostate cancer.
However, non-cancerous conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatitis can also cause elevated levels.
If your PSA levels are abnormal, your doctor may recommend a biopsy.
In doing a biopsy, small samples of prostate tissue will be taken and examined under a microscope to look out for cancer cells.
This test is used for several different purposes:
1• It is used to monitor the progression of prostate cancer in men who have been diagnosed already.
2• It is used to follow up on prostate symptoms, like painful or frequent urination, blood in urine or semen, and pelvic and/or back pain
3• It is used to screen for prostate cancer in men who do not have symptoms of the disease yet
Treatment
Based on the cancer stage and patient’s overall health condition, you doctor may adopt any of the following ;
-Active Surveillance: Monitoring the cancer closely.
-Surgery: Removing the prostate (prostatectomy).
-Radiation Therapy: Using radiation to destroy cancer cells.
-Hormone Therapy: Reducing hormones that ginger cancer growth.
-Chemotherapy: Using drugs to kill cancer cells.
Potential side effects
Before the cancer treatment this is usually discussed with the patients ;
Prostate cancer treatment can lead to side effects such as, erectile dysfunction, bowel issues and urinary challenges.
Can you prevent prostate cancer?
There is no proven approach or strategy to prevent Prostate cancer, but by making healthy lifestyle choices you can lower your risk and spot it early;
-Eat more fruits and vegetables
-Cut down on high fatty foods
-Exercise regularly
-Avoid smoking
-Maintain a healthy weight
-If you have a family history or any other risk, speak to a professional for more tailored guide on how to lower your risk.
Learning Never Ends
By Pharm.Unique @celebritypharm
