Usually , prostate cancer grows slowly and is initially confined to the prostate gland , where it may not cause serious harm . Due to the slow growth , it is one of the types of cancer where you have the best chances of recovery . However , while some types of prostate cancer grow slowly and may need minimal or even no treatment , other types are aggressive and can spread quickly . Most men with prostate cancer are older than 65 years and do not die from the disease .
If prostate cancer is detected early — when it ' s still confined to the prostate gland — there ’ s an excellent chance of successful treatment .
Men , from the age of 50 ( 40 – 45 for those at high risk , such as men with a family history of prostate cancer ) should have an annual prostate examination .
Symptoms Prostate cancer may show no signs or symptoms in its early stages . However , once a tumour causes the prostate gland to swell or once the cancer spreads beyond the prostate , the following symptoms may occur :
• A frequent need to urinate , especially at night
• Trouble urinating
• Decreased force in the stream of urine
• Inability to urinate standing up
• Blood in semen
• Discomfort in the pelvic area
• Bone pain
• Erectile dysfunction
Symptoms of advanced prostate cancer include :
• Dull , deep pain or stiffness in the pelvis , lower back , ribs or upper thighs , pain in the bones of those areas
• Loss of weight and appetite , fatigue , nausea or vomiting
• Swelling of the lower extremities
• Weakness or paralysis in the lower limbs , often with constipation
Causes It ' s not clear what causes prostate cancer . Doctors know that it begins when some cells in your prostate develop changes in their DNA . Mutations in the abnormal cells ' DNA cause these cells to grow and divide more rapidly than normal cells do . The abnormal cells continue living when other cells would die . The accumulating abnormal cells form a tumour that can grow to invade nearby tissue . Some abnormal cells can also break off and spread ( metastasise ) to other parts of the body .
Risk factors Factors that can increase your risk of prostate cancer include :
• Age . Your risk of prostate cancer increases as you age
• Race . For reasons not yet determined , black men carry a greater risk of prostate cancer than men of other races . In black men , prostate cancer is also more likely to be aggressive
• Family history . If men in your family have had prostate cancer , your risk may be increased . Also , if you have a family history of genes that increase the risk of breast cancer ( BRCA1 or BRCA2 ) or a very strong family history of breast cancer , your risk of prostate cancer may be higher
• Obesity . Obese men diagnosed with prostate cancer may be more likely to have advanced disease that ' s more difficult to treat
When to see a doctor Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any signs or symptoms that worry you . Ensure you have regular prostate check-ups if you are in a high-risk category or from the age of 50 .
Prevention is better than cure Bonitas offers preventative care benefits on all our plans to help our members lead healthier lives . This is in addition to your savings and day-to-day benefits , so you get more value .
All men between the ages of 45 and 69 , are covered for 1 prostate screening antigen test every year – on selected plans – that is paid from the Risk benefit .
' If prostate cancer is detected early — when it ' s still confined to the prostate gland — there ’ s an excellent chance of successful treatment .'
Bonitas Member Magazine Issue 2 | 2022
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