Lucas wages war against cancer

Seldom men will speak out about their battles with cancer. In order to raise cancer awareness, David Lucas shared his story.
He is a member of Cansa and Cansa Relay For Life.
Cansa is a leader in the fight against cancer in South Africa, since 1931. The purpose of the organisation is to offer a unique, integrated service to the public and all people affected by cancer.
With its offices in Bedfordview, residents from surrounding areas can access its services at ease during working hours.
“I see this as an opportunity to change lives – even just one life,” said Lucas, adding that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2011 and he remains an active voice to help those battling cancer.

Also read: Bertha Gxowa Hospital highlights breast cancer and mental health in awareness

“I was fortunate that I was in stage one and was amongst the first men in South Africa to have Brachytherapy treatment followed by radiation therapy,” said Lucas.
He is in remission and he remains focused on his health and a good lifestyle.
He sees his cancer experience as a second chance and the opportunity to enjoy what life offers and, more than that, the opportunity to share his story and motivate other cancer survivors.
“Cansa Relay For Life gave me the opportunity to advocate for a cancer-free world. I have been an active supporter of Relay For Life events since 2011 when I started assisting with local events,” said Lucas.
“I have served as a volunteer and walked the track as a survivor and caregiver. Cansa Relay For Life gave me multiple platforms to share my personal experience as a cancer survivor and it has been my honour to act as a motivational speaker at several events,” said Lucas.
He said Relay For Life is not merely awareness-creating but an inspiring event for those affected by cancer.
“Often just the faces of the participants tell the story. I can remember seeing how other people relate to cancer at an event. This made me remember my grandfather who died at the age of 74 of lung cancer.
“I have enjoyed my role in acting as a motivational speaker on virtually all the national television stations, national and regional radio stations, the print media and anywhere I could put forward the image of Cansa, cancer awareness and motivating cancer patients and their loved ones.”
National Cancer Awareness Day is observed on November 7 each year in remembrance of Marie Currie’s birth.
The scientist was born in 1867 and is noted for her brilliant work leading to the development of nuclear energy and radiotherapy for the treatment of cancer.
September is observed as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
According to Affinity Health, prostate cancer primarily affects men over the age of 65. It can strike earlier, especially if you have a family history of prostate cancer.

Also read: Early detection is vital in fighting prostate cancer

What is prostate cancer?
The prostate is a small walnut-shaped gland that produces seminal fluid, which nourishes and transports sperm.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer.
Many prostate cancers are slow-growing and limited to the prostate gland, where they may not cause significant harm.
While some prostate cancers grow slowly and require little or no treatment, others are aggressive and spread rapidly.
Early detection of prostate cancer, while still confined to the prostate gland, gives the best chance of successful treatment.

Who is predisposed to prostate cancer?
Every man is at risk of prostate cancer, but some factors contribute to the risk.
• Age – the most critical risk factor for prostate cancer is age. Men aged 65 and older account for roughly two-thirds of all prostate cancer diagnoses. However, as you age, the disease becomes less aggressive, especially after age 70.
• Family history – men with a history of prostate cancer are at a higher risk. Having a father or brother with the disease doubles your chances of getting it. When multiple family members are affected, your chances increase.
• Race – black men are about 60% more likely than white men to develop prostate cancer.
When cancer is diagnosed, it is more likely to be advanced. Doctors aren’t sure why different races have different rates of prostate cancer, but they believe environmental factors are to blame.
• Diets high in fat: Dietary fat may also be linked to prostate cancer. Men in high-fat diet countries eat fewer fruits and vegetables. The disease is much more prevalent in countries where meat and dairy products dominate the diet, as opposed to those where rice, soybean products, and vegetables are the primary staples.
• Obesity – extra weight does not appear to increase your chances of developing prostate cancer. However, it may reduce your chances of getting a lower-grade type and increase your chances of getting an aggressive form. Although not all study findings agree, some evidence suggests that obese men are more likely to have advanced prostate cancer and die from it.
• Sedentary way of life – although there haven’t been many studies to determine how closely a lack of physical activity is linked to prostate cancer, it has been shown to play a role in other types of cancer, including colon and endometrial cancer. However, because a lack of physical activity is frequently associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome, there may also be a link between it and prostate cancer.
• Changes in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 Gene – these are what your doctor may refer to as mutations. Because you are born with them, they are risk factors over which you have no control. They run in families, but only a few people are affected. They increase the likelihood of breast and ovarian cancer in women, as well as prostate cancer in some men.
• Lynch syndrome – also known as hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) and is caused by a gene change that occurs at birth. It can increase your chances of getting a variety of cancers, including prostate cancer.

Signs and symptoms
While most prostate cancers are asymptomatic, the following symptoms and signs of prostate cancer may occur:
• Urine flow that is weak or interrupted, or the need to strain to empty the bladder.
• Urge to urinate frequently during the night. Urine with blood.
• Erectile dysfunction.
• Urinary pain or burning.
• An enlarged prostate (that causes discomfort or pain when sitting). Back, hip, thigh, shoulder, or other bone pain.
• Leg or foot swelling or fluid buildup.
• Unknown cause of weight loss.
• Fatigue.
• Alteration in bowel habits.
If you are concerned about any changes you are experiencing, please consult your doctor.
Your doctor will ask you how long and frequently you have been experiencing the symptoms, among other things. Diagnosis is made to assist in determining the cause of the problem.
Screening should begin at the age of 40 if you have a family history of prostate cancer.
If you are not at high risk, you should start screening at the age of 50, unless you have any of the warning signs, in which case you should begin screening right away.

Treatment
Prostate cancer treatment options include surgery, radiation, and hormone therapy, which can be used alone or in combination.
Treatment is highly individualised and is planned according to clinical findings. The earlier prostate cancer is detected, the better the prognosis.