Ref: AF/CHB/001/2019 Date: 27th August 2019
25th Zilhijjah 1440
We have observed a rapid increase in the number of cases of Prostate Cancer in our Community – this is a worrying phenomenon requiring attention of community members. We must take this matter seriously, as it can affect one’s normal lifestyle and on many occasions, it brings about a significant negative impact on families, both in terms of social as well as financial wellbeing.
What is Prostate Cancer?
The prostate gland is a gland that makes fluid that is part of semen. This gland sits below the bladder and forms a ring around the urethra. Prostate Cancer occurs when the normal cells in the prostate gland change to become abnormal and start growing without control. They can even spread and invade other body structures as the disease advances.
Prostate cancer occurs most frequently in men older than 50. About 6 in 10 cases of prostate cancer are found in men older than 65. Prostate Cancer is one of the very slowly growing cancers – this gives us the opportunity to diagnose and treat it early.
Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer
Family history:
Prostate Cancer has been tied to some genetic causes whereby having a father or brother with prostate cancer more than doubles a person’s risk of developing this disease. The risk is much higher for men with several affected relatives, particularly if they were young when the cancer was found.
Men with female relatives with breast cancer related to the breast cancer gene (BRCA) may also be more likely to develop prostate cancer.
Age:
All men are at risk for developing prostate cancer, but that risk increases with older age. Most cases of prostate cancer occur in men above 50 years of age.
Diet:
A diet high in animal fat or low in vegetables may increase a man’s risk of prostate cancer.
Screening for Prostate Cancer
Men, who reach 50 years of age, should see a Physician at least once every year to be screened for Prostate Cancer. There are multiple tests used to screen for prostate Cancer, the most common ones are:
- Prostate specific antigen test (PSA):
PSA is a protein produced by the prostate. The PSA test measures
the amount of PSA circulating in the blood. Although there are many causes of
elevated levels of PSA in blood, levels that are extremely high are highly
suspicious of prostate cancer.
The most common cause for an elevated PSA is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
– a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate. Other causes include prostate
infection (prostatitis), trauma (bicycle riding), and sexual activity. One
should avoid intercourse or activities such as riding a bike for at least 48
hours before having a PSA test done.
- Digital rectal examination (DRE):
A digital rectal examination (DRE) is another important test done, which is a part of a thorough clinical examination. It takes only a few minutes to perform and involves the examiner using a finger to examine the rectum and nearby organs, such as the prostate gland and perineum. When the prostate gland is cancerous, its structure changes and feels different upon examination. It may appear to be enlarged, hard, nodulated or even adhered to the surrounding structures.
- Ultrasound:
If other tests raise concerns, the doctor may use pelvic or trans-rectal ultrasound to further evaluate the prostate. This is whereby ultrasound images are taken to assess the prostate gland and nearby structures. If required, further imaging using CT scans or MRIs can be taken especially to assess the spread of prostate cancer.
Recommendation:
Being one of the highly treatable cancers with a 5-year survival rate of 99% if caught early, we recommend all men above 50 years of age in the community to see their physicians to get screened for prostate cancer. Knowing it exists isn’t enough, getting screened is the only way to be sure you do not have it.
“The Greatest Wealth is Health”
Secretariat
Central Health Board (CHB) of Africa Federation