Myths about Prostate Cancer

Dubai, UAE, February 1, 2017:  Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers among adult men in the UAE. In the larger conversation about male organs and glands, the prostate gland often gets overlooked. Part of the male reproductive system, located under the bladder in front of the rectum and surrounding the beginning of the urethra, the prostate is actually a small gland. As a key part of the male reproductive system the prostate gland produces and secretes fluid into the semen. Despite its small size and limited function however, the prostate gland too can become cancerous. 

Cancer begins when cells in one part of the body grow uncontrollably and then start spreading to other areas. The spread of the cancerous cells may be slow or rapid depending on the type of cancer and the body’s response to it. Just like other forms of cancer, prostate cancer too begins when the cells in the prostate gland begin to grow uncontrollably. Although the prostate gland functions as part of the reproductive system in men, its close proximity to the bladder results in individuals with prostate cancer exhibiting many urinary symptoms such as burning sensation or pain during urination; difficulty urinating; loss of bladder control; blood in the urine (hematuria) etc. However, these are not definitive symptoms, hence, it is strongly advised for adult male’s post the age of 40 to get themselves screened regularly for prostate cancer. 

Despite the wide prevalence of prostate cancer, the conversation about it is only limited within the medical community, which has led to the perpetuation of many myths and a serious lack of awareness about the condition in this region. Myths and misconceptions about such a serious medical condition can be harmful to those who might be at risk for prostate cancer, but ignore their symptoms as signs of a less detrimental condition. Some common myths regarding prostate cancer include:

• Prostate cancer only affects older men: Statistics show that the probability of getting prostate cancer is higher in older men, however middle aged and men in their late 40’s are also at risk for prostate cancer. The risk factors for prostate cancer extends beyond age including race, family history, physical health, geography and lifestyle.
• Lack of symptoms implies absence of prostate cancer: Unlike other forms of cancer, prostate cancer can be completely asymptomatic, particularly in its early stages. In such cases a diagnosis can only be made by a doctor during a checkup and follow up tests. 
• Prostate cancer is a slow growing cancer: This isn’t always the case. There are different types of prostate cancer often present in different parts of the prostate. There are those that advance slowly as well as those that advance rapidly and can be fatal in their outcome.
• Since prostate cancer doesn’t run in my family, the odds are that I will not get it: Although the probability of developing prostate cancer is higher if it runs in the family, the fact remains that even those without a predisposed hereditary risk factor can develop prostate cancer. 
• The Prostate specific antigen (PSA) test is a cancer test: The PSA test only determines the amount of PSA/ protein present in the bloodstream and not cancer. If an abnormal level of PSA is found, then the doctor recommends further tests to determine if the cause is prostate cancer. PSA test is not a prostate cancer determining test, for instance sometimes a high number may not mean you have the disease and a low number may not mean you don’t. 
• Vasectomy can cause prostate cancer: After extensive research it has been concluded that vasectomy does not increase a man’s chances of getting prostate cancer.
• Prostate cancer treatment results in incontinence or impotence: Although chemotherapy might have some side effects such as erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence, these effects are subject to the patient’s age and physical health.
• Prostate cancer is contagious: The chances of having prostate cancer increases in men who have a family history of the condition. But in no way, shape or form is prostate cancer contagious among men. 

Despite the widespread prevalence of prostate cancer, early detection and treatment has led to a complete recovery for a majority of the patients. To put things into perspective, the 5-year, 10-year and 15 year survival rates are nearly 100%, 98% and 95% respectively. But it is important that men get regular screening involving either a Digital rectal exam (DRE) or the PSA test if they notice any unusual symptoms or urinary functions. It is also recommended that all men above the age of 40 get prostate cancer screening despite not showing any symptoms, because it will help identify the cancer early when the treatment is most effective. Prostate cancer is one of the few cancers that can be neutralized completely, once detected. All that is required is the right knowledge about the condition and the initiative to get yourself tested regularly.