Prostate Cancer: Why Every Man Ought To Be Concerned!

There is an aphorism that knowledge is power, which is why I have chosen this particular topic, one that most people would, on a normal day, not think about or pay any particular attention to. Yet, prostate cancer, like many other diseases, can strike without warning, unless, of course, one knows enough about the causes, risk factors, screening options, symptoms, and treatment methods for this silent killer, in order to stay a step ahead of the disease. This message is especially important to the people in our villages and small towns, places where illiteracy continues to douse citizens’ understanding of the complexities of the human body. In effect, I have been writing on health topics lately ? my modest contribution to my country of birth ? so another person does not have to hear these frightening words from a physician: “There is nothing more I can do for you; I am very sorry.”

The Prostate

Human cells generally grow old, perish and are replaced by new cells. Cancer occurs when this orderly process of cell replacement in the body is interrupted, leading to the formation of tumors. When tumors are benign, they can be easily removed; when tumors are malignant, they invade and destroy other tissues, leading ? ultimately ? to death. The size of a walnut and located just in front of the rectum and beneath the bladder, the prostate helps to make seminal fluid, the latter the substance that carries sperm when a man ejaculates. Prostate cancer occurs when the prostate grows beyond its normal size, resulting in several complications, such the narrowing of the urethra, which may eventually stop the flow of urine to the penis. The National Cancer Institute projects that about 200,000 men in the U.S. will develop prostate cancer in 2008, out of which about 30,000 will die as a result of future complications from the disease.

Risk Factors

Age is the primary risk factor for prostate cancer, with the disease occurring in men generally above age 45. Also, the incidence of prostate cancer is higher in African American men than in any other racial group, which means that Ghanaian males should be just as concerned, as we share a common ancestry with, and are genetically identical to, our African American brothers. Additionally, it is believed that obesity and diets high in animal products may increase prostate cancer risk. Family history of the disease also increases the risk for prostate cancer (Mayo Clinic, 2008). Sadly, scientists are yet to determine why there is a greater rate of occurrence of prostate cancer in blacks than in other racial groups.

Screening Options

A person may pursue one of two tests: a Digital Rectal Examination (DRE), or a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. In a “DRE, the physician inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum and examines the prostate for any irregularities in size, shape, and texture. Often, the DRE can be used by urologists to help distinguish between prostate cancer and non-cancerous conditions such as BPH” (Prostate Cancer Foundation, 2008). BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) is an inward, non-cancerous growth of the prostate that is rarely fatal, whereas prostate cancer is an outward growth of cells in the prostate, invading and destroying surrounding tissue (Prostate Cancer Foundation, 2008).

A good PSA count is generally from 0 to 4, but an individual with a serious prostate problem would have a much higher PSA count. While neither test can conclusively detect the presence of prostate cancer, an abnormality in the size of the prostate (from a rectal exam) or a high PSA count provides the physician enough information to check for prostate cancer.

Symptoms

There are very simple and specific symptoms that can help identify problems with the prostate. The commonly identified signs are: inability to urinate properly; having difficulty commencing or ending the flow of urine; an increased desire to urinate, especially at night; pain or a burning sensation while passing urine; erectile dysfunction; and abnormal pain in the lower back, hips or the upper regions of the thighs (Prostate Cancer Foundation, 2008). Cancer in the prostate can cause the secretion of blood into both the urine and semen (Mayo Clinic 2008).

Treatment Methods

There are currently several treatment options for prostate cancer, and while a particular form of treatment may work for one person, it may not work for another. It is therefore the duty of the physician to determine what treatment, or set of treatments, will augur well for each patient. Treatment options include a surgical excision of the tumor, radiation therapy or hormone therapy. A form of “watchful waiting” (Prostate Cancer Foundation, 2008) can also be recommended by one’s doctor, in which case the patient’s health will be under very careful scrutiny. Local or systemic therapy may be employed in treating prostate cancer, and the employment of either therapy depends upon what treatment methods are being pursued.

Sociological Factors

Studies have shown that “men have higher levels of cancer incidence and mortality than women; this disparity is seen as a consequence of their more risky lifestyle and poorer use of primary prevention strategies” (Evans, Brotherstone, Miles, & Waddle, 2005). Men are also less likely than women to have regular examinations for early detection of health problems, or for preventive purposes (Courtenay, 2003). For example, while women are likely to take seriously self-examinations for breast cancer detection, the same cannot be said of their male counterparts, even if the latter were prodded by health care professionals to do self-examinations of, say, the testicles to detect any unusual changes that may lead to testicular cancer.

Real Stories of People Who Took Action

Bay State Banner, Boston: In October 2007, Rev. Arthur Gerald, Jr., an interim pastor of Twelfth Baptist Church in Roxbury, Massachusetts, was persuaded by one of his congregants to have his prostate checked, but, like most men, he ignored the advice initially. This particular congregant, however, was unrelenting in his “crusade” to have as many elders in his church checked for prostate cancer, so Rev. Gerald, Jr. eventually capitulated and visited his doctor. When the test results came back, Rev. Gerald, Jr. was surprised to learn that he was at risk for developing prostate cancer. Today, Rev. Gerald, Jr. credits this particular congregant with saving his life!

The Boston Globe (Dec. 16, 2003): Perhaps the biggest celebrity to have undergone prostate cancer surgery in recent times is Colin L. Powell, a former U.S. Secretary of State. Colin Powell’s surgery ? and the attendant publicity the story generated about the dangers of prostate cancer ? continues to elicit greater coverage about prostate cancer than any paid advertisement would have achieved! In short, the plight of Colin Powell turned out to be a blessing in disguise in the fight against prostate cancer, as it helped change the attitude of many black men about the importance of getting tested for the disease. Today, Colin Powell is in good health, and the successful surgery he underwent on December 15, 2003 continues to be a point of reference in the discussion about prostate cancer!

Because men can be stubborn when it comes to their health, it is important that the women in their lives ? mothers, wives, sisters, girlfriends ? take an active role in persuading these men to get tested once they cross the age 40 threshold, as, once again, early detection can be the difference between a complete cure and a slow, agonizing death. Ladies, demonstrate your love by encouraging your men to get tested, and do not take a no for an answer, if you truly want these men to spend many more quality years with you!

The writer, Daniel K. Pryce, holds a master’s degree in public administration from George Mason University, U.S.A. He is a member of the national honor society for public affairs and administration in the U.S.A. He can be reached at dpryce@cox.net.

Prostate Cancer: Why Every Man Ought To Be Concerned!

There is an aphorism that knowledge is power, which is why I have chosen this particular topic, one that most people would, on a normal day, not think about or pay any particular attention to. Yet, prostate cancer, like many other diseases, can strike without warning, unless, of course, one knows enough about the causes, risk factors, screening options, symptoms, and treatment methods for this silent killer, in order to stay a step ahead of the disease. This message is especially important to the people in our villages and small towns, places where illiteracy continues to douse citizens’ understanding of the complexities of the human body. In effect, I have been writing on health topics lately ? my modest contribution to my country of birth ? so another person does not have to hear these frightening words from a physician: “There is nothing more I can do for you; I am very sorry.”

The Prostate

Human cells generally grow old, perish and are replaced by new cells. Cancer occurs when this orderly process of cell replacement in the body is interrupted, leading to the formation of tumors. When tumors are benign, they can be easily removed; when tumors are malignant, they invade and destroy other tissues, leading ? ultimately ? to death. The size of a walnut and located just in front of the rectum and beneath the bladder, the prostate helps to make seminal fluid, the latter the substance that carries sperm when a man ejaculates. Prostate cancer occurs when the prostate grows beyond its normal size, resulting in several complications, such the narrowing of the urethra, which may eventually stop the flow of urine to the penis. The National Cancer Institute projects that about 200,000 men in the U.S. will develop prostate cancer in 2008, out of which about 30,000 will die as a result of future complications from the disease.

Risk Factors

Age is the primary risk factor for prostate cancer, with the disease occurring in men generally above age 45. Also, the incidence of prostate cancer is higher in African American men than in any other racial group, which means that Ghanaian males should be just as concerned, as we share a common ancestry with, and are genetically identical to, our African American brothers. Additionally, it is believed that obesity and diets high in animal products may increase prostate cancer risk. Family history of the disease also increases the risk for prostate cancer (Mayo Clinic, 2008). Sadly, scientists are yet to determine why there is a greater rate of occurrence of prostate cancer in blacks than in other racial groups.

Screening Options

A person may pursue one of two tests: a Digital Rectal Examination (DRE), or a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. In a “DRE, the physician inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum and examines the prostate for any irregularities in size, shape, and texture. Often, the DRE can be used by urologists to help distinguish between prostate cancer and non-cancerous conditions such as BPH” (Prostate Cancer Foundation, 2008). BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) is an inward, non-cancerous growth of the prostate that is rarely fatal, whereas prostate cancer is an outward growth of cells in the prostate, invading and destroying surrounding tissue (Prostate Cancer Foundation, 2008).

A good PSA count is generally from 0 to 4, but an individual with a serious prostate problem would have a much higher PSA count. While neither test can conclusively detect the presence of prostate cancer, an abnormality in the size of the prostate (from a rectal exam) or a high PSA count provides the physician enough information to check for prostate cancer.

Symptoms

There are very simple and specific symptoms that can help identify problems with the prostate. The commonly identified signs are: inability to urinate properly; having difficulty commencing or ending the flow of urine; an increased desire to urinate, especially at night; pain or a burning sensation while passing urine; erectile dysfunction; and abnormal pain in the lower back, hips or the upper regions of the thighs (Prostate Cancer Foundation, 2008). Cancer in the prostate can cause the secretion of blood into both the urine and semen (Mayo Clinic 2008).

Treatment Methods

There are currently several treatment options for prostate cancer, and while a particular form of treatment may work for one person, it may not work for another. It is therefore the duty of the physician to determine what treatment, or set of treatments, will augur well for each patient. Treatment options include a surgical excision of the tumor, radiation therapy or hormone therapy. A form of “watchful waiting” (Prostate Cancer Foundation, 2008) can also be recommended by one’s doctor, in which case the patient’s health will be under very careful scrutiny. Local or systemic therapy may be employed in treating prostate cancer, and the employment of either therapy depends upon what treatment methods are being pursued.

Sociological Factors

Studies have shown that “men have higher levels of cancer incidence and mortality than women; this disparity is seen as a consequence of their more risky lifestyle and poorer use of primary prevention strategies” (Evans, Brotherstone, Miles, & Waddle, 2005). Men are also less likely than women to have regular examinations for early detection of health problems, or for preventive purposes (Courtenay, 2003). For example, while women are likely to take seriously self-examinations for breast cancer detection, the same cannot be said of their male counterparts, even if the latter were prodded by health care professionals to do self-examinations of, say, the testicles to detect any unusual changes that may lead to testicular cancer.

Real Stories of People Who Took Action

Bay State Banner, Boston: In October 2007, Rev. Arthur Gerald, Jr., an interim pastor of Twelfth Baptist Church in Roxbury, Massachusetts, was persuaded by one of his congregants to have his prostate checked, but, like most men, he ignored the advice initially. This particular congregant, however, was unrelenting in his “crusade” to have as many elders in his church checked for prostate cancer, so Rev. Gerald, Jr. eventually capitulated and visited his doctor. When the test results came back, Rev. Gerald, Jr. was surprised to learn that he was at risk for developing prostate cancer. Today, Rev. Gerald, Jr. credits this particular congregant with saving his life!

The Boston Globe (Dec. 16, 2003): Perhaps the biggest celebrity to have undergone prostate cancer surgery in recent times is Colin L. Powell, a former U.S. Secretary of State. Colin Powell’s surgery ? and the attendant publicity the story generated about the dangers of prostate cancer ? continues to elicit greater coverage about prostate cancer than any paid advertisement would have achieved! In short, the plight of Colin Powell turned out to be a blessing in disguise in the fight against prostate cancer, as it helped change the attitude of many black men about the importance of getting tested for the disease. Today, Colin Powell is in good health, and the successful surgery he underwent on December 15, 2003 continues to be a point of reference in the discussion about prostate cancer!

Because men can be stubborn when it comes to their health, it is important that the women in their lives ? mothers, wives, sisters, girlfriends ? take an active role in persuading these men to get tested once they cross the age 40 threshold, as, once again, early detection can be the difference between a complete cure and a slow, agonizing death. Ladies, demonstrate your love by encouraging your men to get tested, and do not take a no for an answer, if you truly want these men to spend many more quality years with you!

The writer, Daniel K. Pryce, holds a master’s degree in public administration from George Mason University, U.S.A. He is a member of the national honor society for public affairs and administration in the U.S.A. He can be reached at dpryce@cox.net.