CANCER OF THE PROSTRATE

November 23, 2015joberryNewsawarenesscancerCANCER OF THE PROSTRATEpostrate45

The prostrate is a walnut-sized gland that only men have and it is located in front of the rectum and below the bladder. It is part of the organ of reproduction that makes the seminal fluid which carries sperm.

Risk Factors

All men are at risk of developing prostate cancer, though some factors increase the risk:

1. Family history: men with a father or brother who has had prostate cancer
2. Race: Prostate cancer is more common in some racial and ethnic groups. Prostate cancer is more common in African men than white men.

How Will You Know You Have It?

1. Blood in the urine
2. Weak or interrupted urine flow
3. Frequent urinating especially at night
4. Pain or burning feeling while urinating
5. Inability to urinate
6. Constant pain in the lower back, pelvis or upper thighs

How Do I Screen For Prostrate Cancer?

The main screening tools for prostate cancer are:

1. The digital rectal examination (DRE) and
2. The prostate specific antigen (PSA) test.

Procedure for Screening

Digital Rectal Examination: The doctor inserts a gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum. This allows the doctor to feel the back portion of the prostate for size and any irregular or abnormally firm areas.

Prostate Specific Antigen

At least 72 hours before the test, avoid the following: sexual intercourse; riding a bicycle; digital rectal examination; and avoid herbal medications

Follow Up/Referral

PSA value of greater than 10ng/mL is referred to an urologist for further testing and diagnosis of prostate cancer. A client who has a PSA value of 4 – 10ng/mL is requested to return after 72 hours for a repeat PSA. A client is expected to do his PSA every 2 years once aged 40 years and above.

WHAT IS SCREENING

Screening means searching for unrecognized disease or defects in seemingly well persons using tests, Examinations and procedures. It is not diagnosis. It targets apparently healthy people. Offering to help individuals make better, informed choices about their health. The goal is early detection of disease and lifestyle modification or surveillance, to reduce the risk of disease, or to detect it early enough so as to prevent the disease and its consequences.

BENEFITS OF SCREENING

1. Case detection: Early identification of unrecognized disease conditions.
2. Control of disease: By early detection, prompt and effective treatment can ensure cure.
3. This will save time and money that would have been spent on hospital visits, admissions and treatments.
4. It enhances healthy long life.
5. It also provides opportunities for creating public awareness on health issues.

LIFESTYLE MODIFICATION

Below are some of the practices that can have a big and positive impact on your health.

1. Periodic and regular screening.
2. Healthy energy balance nutrition comprising: lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grain and low fat, fish/white meat.
3. Low salt and avoiding of adding extra salt to food after cooking.
4. Increase physical exercise activities such as jogging, running, walking, and any other sport for at least 30 minutes daily for at least 5 days per week.
5. Reduce and maintain a healthy body weight.
6. Stop or quit tobacco use and avoid exposure to second hand smoke.
7. Avoid excess weight by engaging yourself in sport, leisure and recreational activities, and get adequate sleep (6 – 8 hours) daily.
8. If on medication, follow your health care provider’s advice.