World Cancer Day is celebrated annually on February 4.
While prostate cancer may not receive the kind of public attention that some other forms of cancer do, it nevertheless impacts on tens of thousands of South African families of all races every year.
Widespread and regular screening, early detection and improved treatment are allowing more and more men to survive prostate cancer.
If the cancer is diagnosed early, while it is localised or still confined to the prostate gland itself, the five-year survival rate is almost 100 per cent.
It is important to note that patients with prostate cancer often experience no symptoms whatsoever.
For this reason Netcare 911 recommends that men over the age of 45 have annual screenings, so that signs of prostate cancer can be detected as early as possible.
If the symptoms do occur they may include the following:
- Blood in urine
- Trouble urinating
- Sudden or urgent need to urinate
- Waking frequently at night to urinate
- Difficulty starting or stopping urine flow
- Weak or interrupted urine flow
- Pain during urination
- Difficulty having an erection and/or painful ejaculations
- Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back
- Unexplained weight loss
“There are a number of risk factors for prostate cancer, and it is important to note that men of all ages and races may develop the disease.
“However, advancing age is a particularly important risk factor, with older individuals having a much greater chance of developing the disease,” said a Netcare 911 spokesman.
Treatment options for prostate cancer include radical prostatectomy — which is the complete surgical removal of the prostate — radiation, cryotherapy, brachytherapy, and hormone therapy.
