Prostate cancer is the second most frequently diagnosed type of cancer in men after skin cancer. It is also the fifth leading cause of death worldwide accounting for an estimated 366,000 deaths and 6.3 million disability.
The incidence of prostate cancer in Uganda is rising and is currently reported at 5.2% annually. It is responsible for about 25% of cancer deaths among male Ugandans. The difference in mortality may be a result in care and stage at diagnosis.
A prostate is a small walnut-shaped gland located below the bladder and in front of the rectum in men. The actual cause of prostate cancer is not well known however, there are several risk factors associated with prostate cancer possibly biological or behavioral factors.
Some men present with a lethal form of prostate cancer and others present with an indolent form of cancer of the prostate. Risk factors are limited to older age greater than 40 years but mostly 55 years and above, African-American race, family history of prostate cancer, taller height increases risk of prostate cancer, obesity and weight gain.
Obesity is implicated in the dysregulation of various hormonal pathways leading to lower levels of topterone and sex hormone-binding globulin.
The signs and symptoms include; urinary frequency or urgency especially at night, urine flow that starts and stops, pain on urination, urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, painful ejaculation, blood in semen, pain in your lower back, hip or chest, and enlarged prostate.
However, not all enlarged prostate is prostate cancer, some is benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostatitis.
Prostate cancer is curable if detected early through surgical removal of the prostate or radiotherapy. Prostate cancer progresses usually very slowly and you can live several years without symptoms or needing treatment. There is no standard test to screen for prostate cance, and the two tests that are commonly used to screen for prostate cancer are PSA (prostate specific antigen) and digital rectal exam.
Diet plays a great role in the protection against prostate cancer. For example, calcium mainly found in dairy products like milk, cheese, lycopene and tomato-based products, pink grapefruit and watermelon may have a protective role in prostate cancer.
In fact, one study examining fish intake after diagnosis of prostate cancer found a 17% reduction in risk of prostate cancer recurrence with two additional servings of fish per week. Research shows that coffee also reduces risk of prostate cancer. Additional ways of reducing your chances of getting prostate cancer include; avoid smoking and reduce on alcohol consumption, stay sexually active, get regular exercise, maintain a healthy weight and increase your vitamin D intake.
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The authors are; Angella Namulema; BSc Nurse working with Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital and
Lilian Nuwabaine Luyima; BSc Nurse & MSN-Midwife & Women’s’ Health Specialist
