Prostate Cancer
THE PROSTATE IS A GLAND, THE SIZE OF A WALNUT, IN MALES THAT PRODUCES FLUID THAT ENRICHES, PROTECTS AND TRANSPORTS SPERM1,2,3
Prostate cancer develops when normal cells in the prostate become abnormal and start growing uncontrollably, forming a tumour or mass. The exact reason why normal cells become abnormal is unclear. If left untreated, these cells continue to multiply uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body.1,2,3,4 Prostate Cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men in South Africa.5 Prostate cancer mainly affects men over the age of 50, and your risk increases as you get older. Prostate cancer is rare in men under the age of 40.3 Prostate cancer is not as aggressive as other cancers. If this slow-growing cancer is diagnosed and treated and managed correctly, the survival rates are high.3 However, of concern is that in the early stages of the disease there are no symptoms, so it is often diagnosed at a later stage.4
Back to top
RISK FACTORS FOR DEVELOPING PROSTATE CANCER:
- Family history: Having a father or brother with prostate cancer increases the risk
- Age: Older age increases risk
- Ethnicity: African and Coloured men have a higher risk
- Diet: Possibly an increased risk with diets high in unsaturated animal fats
Back to top
SYMPTOMS:
Because prostate cancer is slow growing it may be asymptomatic for a few years. The main symptoms include changes in urinary and sexual function:
- More frequent urination
- Weak or slow urination and dribbling
- Burning urination
- Blood in urine and semen
- Difficulty in getting an erection
- Painful ejaculation
- Pain or stiffness in the lower back, thighs or hips
Back to top
DIAGNOSIS:
Diagnostic methods might include: Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): 1,3,4,6 The doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum and feels the prostate through the rectal wall to check for hard or lumpy areas. PSA Blood test:6 The blood test will determine the level of Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA). PSA is a protein specifically produced by prostate cells. An elevated level may indicate a higher chance of having cancer. Biopsy:6 Based on the outcome of the DRE and PSA level from the bloodtest, a biopsy will be performed to confirm a prostate cancer diagnosis. During a biopsy a tissue sample is taken using a needle and examined by a pathologist. After a diagnosis is confirmed the cancer will be graded (based on degree of cell abnormality) and staged (localized in prostate, local spread to surrounding tissue & lymph and distant spread to other organs and bone). Further tests like a computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, bone scan or ultrasound will be performed to establish whether the cancer has spread outside of the prostate gland.4,5
Back to top
TREATMENT OPTIONS:
The treatment of prostate cancer will differ from patient to patient based on age, risk factors, stage of disease and grade. Treatment options include: Surgery, radiotherapy, hormone therapy and chemotherapy. Surgery: Removal of the prostate can be done at an early stage, but has the potential for side effects like erectile dysfunction. Radiotherapy: External radiotherapy: uses radiation to target and destroy the cancer. Internal radiotherapy (brachytherapy): small radio-active implants are placed in the prostate gland to destroy the cancer. Hormone therapy: Prostate cancer cells need the hormone testosterone to grow. Hormone therapy works by stopping the production of testosterone or by blocking the action of the testosterone on the prostate cancer cells. Both these methods mean that the hormone is not available for the cancer cells to use, and they cannot grow and survive. Chemotherapy: This form of treatment using anti-cancer (cytotoxic = killing cells) medications is usually used in advanced stages of cancer, when the cancer has spread to surrounding tissue and distant organs and bone.
AWARENESS, EARLY DETECTION & TREATMENT IS KEY. TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR OR NURSE IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS
Medical References
- The Facts about Prostate Cancer v1. Available at: https://za.movember.com/mens-health/prostate-cancer#the-facts. 2. Herbst, M. . Fact Sheet on Prostate Cancer. (2018). Available at: https://www.cansa.org.za/files/2018/01/Fact-Sheet-on-Prostate-Cancer-NCR2013-web-Jan-2018.pdf. 3. Christiani, I. M. Part 1. What is Prostate Cancer. Available at: http://www.can-sir.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/CanSir-Prostate-cancer.pdf. 4. Beale, R. Understanding Prostate Cancer. Prostate Cancer Foundation (2015). Available at: http://www.prostateca.co.za/cake/index.php/info#Understanding the prostate . 5. South Africa Globocan Statistics 2018 Fact Sheet. Available at: http://gco.iarc.fr/today/data/factsheets/populations/710-south-africa-fact-sheets.pdf. 6. Gurvinder Rull. What is Chemotherapy? Available at: https://patient.info/health/cancer/chemotherapy.
