Prostate Cancer: Men's Silent Killer

CEBU, Philippines - All men are at risk of developing prostate cancer. According to www.cancer.org, about one in seven will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. After lung cancer, prostate cancer, the silent killer, is the most common cancer among men.

Based on records of the Metro Cebu Population-based Cancer Registry of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc.-Eduardo J. Aboitiz Cancer Center (RAFI-EJACC), a total of 358 prostate cancer cases were recorded in 2003 to 2007 in Metro Cebu, with 225 of them resulting in death.

Prostate cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system. The prostate is a part of the male reproductive system about the size of a walnut located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The urethra runs through the center of the prostate, from the bladder to the penis, letting urine flow out of the body. When the prostate is enlarged, it can cause the urethra to narrow and makes urinating difficult.

The prostate is responsible for producing the fluid that forms part of the semen. It secretes fluid that nourishes and protects sperm. Cancer occurs when cells of the prostate mutate and begin to multiply out of control. These cells may spread (metastasize) from the prostate to other parts of the body, especially the bones and lymph nodes.

Prostate cancer may cause difficulty in urinating and problems during sexual intercourse, or erectile dysfunction. Other symptoms can potentially develop during the later stages of the disease.

The alarming and increasing incidence rate of men diagnosed with prostate cancer has led the Department of Health to declare June each year as "Prostate Cancer Awareness Month." 

Unfortunately, most men - whether macho or not - do not consider this life-threatening disease seriously. Some don't even know they have it, while many don't have an idea they are at risk of acquiring it.

If you ask a man on the street to locate his prostate glands, his response would either look at you blankly or point to his lower abdomen. Many would just ask you back or leave you with no response at all. The sad thing is that prostate cancer usually develops very slowly that it may take many years for symptoms to show.

According to www.cancer.org, prostate cancer occurs mainly in older men. About six cases in ten are diagnosed in men aged 65 or older, and it is rare before age 40. The average age at the time of diagnosis is about 66.

Prostate cancer is very rare in men younger than 45. About 80 percent of men who reach age 80 have prostate cancer cells in their prostate. Besides being male, there are other factors, such as age, race, family history, and diet that may contribute to the risk.

If the cancer is benign it can still be removed and it usually does not grow back. If it is malignant already, it can invade nearby organs and tissues (such as the bladder or rectum).

According to a study conducted at the Johns Hopkins University in the United States, if a man's father or brother has prostate cancer, his risk of developing the disease is two times greater than the average person. (It presupposes, then, that men better to trace their family history this early.)

High levels of testosterone (a hormone that promotes the development of male sex characteristics) may also increase a man's risk of prostate cancer. Hwsxigh-fat diet may also be a risk factor in the development of the disease.

In many countries, such as China, where low-fat diets of fish and vegetables are the norm, the recorded incidence rate has been historically low compared to countries whose citizens prefer "westernized diet."

Ronald M. delos Reyes, program coordinator of RAFI-EJACC, said that while prostate cancer shows no symptoms at an early stage, it can be detected through various tests, such as routine digital rectal examination and serum prostatic specific antigen, even when signs are not yet there.

"Men should also remember to take preventive measures. These include making the right choice of healthy food, diet, and exercise," he said. (FREEMAN)