Cancer Society of The Bahamas

PROSTATE CANCER

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. Almost all men will get prostate cancer if they live long enough, as the risk of developing prostate cancer increases as men get older. Eighty percent of prostate cancer cases are diagnosed in men who are over the age of 65. However, some men develop it when they are younger. For unknown reasons, black men have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer than white men.

If you are over 40, you should get tested for prostate cancer. The PSA test is a blood test that measures the levels of prostate specific antigens in the blood and produced by the prostate. PSA levels rise in the presence of prostate cancer, prostatitis and benign prostatic hypertrophy. Although the test is not 100% accurate, PSA tests have become an important step in diagnosing prostate cancer.

Have you experienced any of the following symptoms?

frequent, difficult or painful urination

dribbling urination

blood or pus in the urine

blood or pain on ejaculation

If you have ticked any of the above, it is important to get a check-up. The symptoms may be caused by other prostate problems but your doctor will perform a thorough examination to eliminate the possibility of prostate cancer.

To test for the presence of cancer, you will be most likely be given a digital rectal examination. By inserting a finger in the rectum, the doctor will feel for the size, shape and texture of the prostate.

A PSA test will then be prescribed and depending on the results, a transrectal ultrasonography may well be carried out. This test involves the insertion of a probe into the rectum and can show sound waves bouncing off the prostate and other parts of the body. It is sometimes used along with biopsy.

Biopsy is a surgical procedure in which a few cells are removed for microscopic examination. This results in an accurate assessment of the presence and type of cancer in the prostate.

REMEMBER

Prostate cancer often occurs without any presenting symptoms. It is therefore very important that all men, particularly over the age of 40 should receive regular check-ups.

TREATMENT FOR PROSTATE CANCER

If only a few cancer cells are present in the prostate, your doctor may advise that no treatment should be given but that the prostate should be closely monitored for any changes

Surgery may be recommended to remove the entire prostate gland

Radiation may be administered to destroy cancerous cells

Radiactive seeds may be implanted in the prostate to destroy the cancerous cells

Hormonal treatment may be given to eliminate the male hormones from the testicles and adrenal glands to slow the growth of the cancer.

Possible side effects may occur such as impotence, diarrhea, difficulty with urination and rectal irritation.