Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among men. According to the Singapore Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in Singapore. Thankfully, prostate cancer can be managed with appropriate treatment — and the success of treatment improves with early detection of the health condition.
We speak with Dr. Manuel C. See IV, a urologist who treats issues affecting the genital and urinary tract, to get answers to the most frequently asked questions about prostate cancer.
Your risk of prostate cancer increases with age.
Age is one of the greatest risk factors for prostate cancer. “Men who are older than 50 years old are already at risk for prostate cancer which is the most common type of cancer in men worldwide,” says Dr Manuel.
You may also be more likely to get prostate cancer if your father, brother, or other close biological relative has had it.
There is still no clear cause for prostate cancer.
“Prostate cancer has no known etiology or causes,” shares Dr Manuel. “It may be genetic, especially if it’s diagnosed in men younger than 40 years old.”
Some studies have linked prostate inflammation and prostate cancer. According to one theory, inflammation may cause DNA damage in cells, which could make a healthy cell develop into a cancer cell.
You can reduce your risk of prostate cancer with healthy lifestyle habits.
Even though there is no sure way to prevent prostate cancer, there are some things you can do that might lower your risk of getting it.
Maintaining an ideal, healthy body weight, staying active and exercising, and having a balanced diet might help lower your risk of being diagnosed. “You can also consume food rich in lycopene, like tomatoes, which helps with reducing your risk,” shares Dr Manuel.
Additionally, schedule regular health screening appointments to ensure that you catch any possible health conditions early. You can also pen in routine health appointments with your doctor to share any health concerns or questions you may have. For example, you should take note of any (sudden) changes in your genital or urinary health; and let your doctor know of these changes, during your next consultation with them.
You can screen for prostate cancer.
Prostate-specific antigen levels in your blood can be checked for early detection of prostate cancer. “We have a blood exam to screen for prostate cancer. It is called Prostate Specific Antigen, or PSA. Men 50 years old and above should have this done annually. If you’re at a higher risk for prostate cancer, such as having a relative with prostate cancer, you can start going for a PSA as early as 45 years of age,” says Dr. Manuel.
In the case of prostate cancer, you shouldn’t try to do a self-examination to check on your condition. This is because self-examinations have the potential to cause injury since the prostate is an internal gland. Only a qualified, licensed medical expert is able to assess how the prostate feels to determine the overall health of your prostate accurately. Another way of screening is the Digital Rectal Exam (DRE), in which the doctor inserts a finger into the rectum while wearing gloves and lubricant to feel the prostate gland.
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Treatment depends on many factors.
Your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is appropriate for your situation.
“Treatment for prostate cancer varies with the stage and grade of the prostate cancer. We also consider the age of the patient on diagnosis and medical condition. Prostate cancer can be treated surgically by removing the prostate, radiation, hormonal and chemotherapy,” says Dr. Manuel.
Do see a doctor if you suspect anything amiss with your health.
While prostate cancer may not show any visible symptoms for some men, do look out for any changes in your body, including:
- Weak urine stream
- Difficulty with starting to urinate or pee
- A sudden need to pee
- Painful or a burning sensation while peeing
- Feeling like your bladder isn’t empty after peeing
- Blood in your urine or semen
- Pain or discomfort in your pelvis, hips, or back that doesn’t go away
- Problem with maintaining an erection
These could hint at early signs of prostate cancer; and it’s best to get specialised medical advice if you’re experiencing these symptoms A medical professional would be able to advise you on whether further medical examinations and tests are required, and possible treatment options.
Get access to men’s health doctors or specialists, such as urologists, on the DA app.
This article was first published on Doctor Anywhere and republished on theAsianparent with permission.
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