Early detection key to curing ‘silent' prostate cancer

Dubai-UAE: 2 September,  2015 – Prostate cancer is a major health concern for men all over the world. It is a ‘silent disease’ that can go unnoticed for years as there are no specific signs or symptoms. The three most common forms of problems that may affect the prostate are inflammation (prostatitis), benign enlargement of the prostate and prostate cancer. After lung cancer, prostate cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in men.

The prostate is a small doughnut-shaped organ that sits below the bladder, and the urethra passes through the centre of it. It's normally about the size of a chestnut but it enlarges with age. Prostate cancer  is mainly a disease of older men and the symptoms - caused by it is usually not different from that of the benign enlargement  of the prostate when it is compressing the urethra and making resistance to urine flow .

However, if left untreated, prostate cancer can cause serious complications so it is recommended that men aged over 40 years’ old or younger men, with a positive family history of cancer to visit a Urologist.

The treatments vary from 'watchful waiting' through to surgery, radiation and hormonal therapy. Watchful waiting for many older men is preferable, as prostate cancer in the elderly, often runs a slow, non-lethal course. However, for younger men especially if the disease is still confined to the prostate, surgical treatment is the preferable line of treatment.

For the whole of September, Medeor 24x7 Hospital, Dubai will be raising awareness about the different forms of prostate disease. Dr. Amgad Farouk, Head of Urology Department and Consultant Urologist at the hospital, outlines who is most at risk:

• Age: Age is the single biggest risk factor for prostate disease. The chance of being diagnosed increases dramatically after the age of 50. In fact, 65 per cent of all diagnoses are found in men over the age of 65.
• Race: Men of Afro-Caribbean origin are more at risk of developing prostate disease than any other race.
• Heredity: It is common that more than one male family member to be diagnosed with prostate cancer. The chances of developing the disease double when present in an immediate family member.
• Diet: In terms of protective factors, having low blood cholesterol and a healthy diet seem to be the biggest game-changers. Studies have found that men who eat large amounts of red meat or high-fat dairy products have a greater chance of developing prostate disease. These men also tended to eat fewer fruits and vegetables.
• Exercise: Some studies have found that high levels of physical activity, particularly in older men, may lower the risk of advanced prostate cancer.
• Infection and inflammation of the prostate: Some studies have suggested that prostatitis     may be linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer.