Prevalence of Prostate Cancer

In the UK, around 47,500 men are found to have prostate cancer annually, making it a significant public health issue. As men grow older the risk of prostate cancer increases, particularly in men over 50. Ethnicity also influences risk, with Black men being more susceptible—1 in 4 Black men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, compared to 1 in 8 White men. Additionally, having a family history of the disease raises the risk, underscoring the importance of awareness and early detection.

Why is Prostate Cancer Awareness Vital?

Early detection is vital in managing prostate cancer successfully. When caught at an early stage, the cancer is highly treatable, with nearly a 100% five-year survival rate.

What do Statistics say about Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is responsible for over 11,500 deaths annually in the UK, which is equivalent to about one man every 45 minutes. Despite these concerning figures, many cases are not diagnosed until the cancer has progressed, mainly because early-stage prostate cancer often does not cause noticeable symptoms.

What are Prostate Cancer Symptoms?

Detecting prostate cancer in its early stages can be difficult due to the lack of symptoms. However, as the disease advances, some common signs include:

– Difficulty in urinating or a weak stream of urine

– Increased frequency of urination, especially during the night

– Blood present in the urine or semen

– Discomfort in the pelvic area

– Pain in the lower back, hips, or thighs

These symptoms can also be associated with non-cancerous conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), so it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional if any of these signs occur.

How Can Men Lower Their Risk of Prostate Cancer?

Adopting a Healthy Lifestyle

While certain risk factors, such as age and family history, cannot be changed, men can reduce their likelihood of developing prostate cancer by making healthy lifestyle choices. Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats, combined with regular exercise, helps maintain a healthy weight and may lower the risk of prostate cancer.

Obesity and Prostate Cancer

Being overweight or obese has been linked to a higher risk of aggressive prostate cancer. Men who are obese are more likely to develop severe forms of the disease, and they face a higher risk of recurrence after treatment. Keeping a healthy weight through a balanced diet and physical activity is essential for overall well-being and lowering the risk of prostate cancer.

Regular Screening and Diagnostic Tools

Men over 50 or those over 45 with a higher risk due to ethnicity or family history should consider regular prostate cancer screening. A standard method is the PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test, which measures PSA levels in the blood. Elevated PSA levels can indicate the presence of prostate cancer, though they may also be elevated due to other conditions.

If PSA levels are high or other symptoms raise concern, an MRI scan may be suggested. MRI technology has become a valuable tool in detecting significant prostate cancers and reducing unnecessary biopsies, helping to focus attention on suspicious areas more accurately.

If prostate cancer is suspected, a biopsy is usually recommended. The perineal template biopsy, where tissue is sampled through the skin between the anus and scrotum under local anaesthesia, is currently the most accurate and widely used method due to its precision and lower risk of infection.

Does Smoking Increase the Risk of Prostate Cancer?

Unlike many other types of cancer, smoking has not been shown to increase the risk of prostate cancer significantly.

Can Prostate Cancer Be Prevented?

While prostate cancer cannot be entirely prevented, leading a healthy life lowers the risk, particularly for men with risk factors such as age, race, or genetics. Certain foods have been studied for their potential to combat prostate cancer, including:

– Pulses and soybeans are rich in fibre, protein, and isoflavones.

– Green tea: Contains catechins, which may have protective properties.

– Lycopene-rich foods: These are found in tomatoes and watermelons and may help reduce risk.

– Cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower and broccoli, are high in glucosinolates and antioxidants.

Conversely, diets high in processed foods, dairy, red or processed meat, and fatty foods might increase the risk of prostate cancer, though more research is needed.

Role of Vitamins in Prostate Health

Although the role of vitamin D in prostate cancer is not yet fully explained, some studies suggest it might influence tumour growth.

Are Herbal Remedies Effective for Preventing Prostate Cancer?

The evidence supporting herbal remedies for preventing prostate cancer is limited, so care should be taken when considering such treatments.

Physical Activity and Prostate Cancer Risk

Regular exercise potentially reduces the risk of developing prostate cancer. Keeping a healthy weight is crucial, as obesity is a recognised risk factor.

Can Regular Ejaculation Lower the Risk of Prostate Cancer?

Research from 2016 suggested that frequent ejaculation could be linked to a reduced risk of low-grade prostate cancer. However, this relationship does not extend to more aggressive types.

Can Diet Halt Prostate Cancer Progression?

While a healthy, balanced diet is highly beneficial for overall health, it cannot reverse prostate cancer once it has developed.

What treatment options are available for prostate cancer?

Treatment options for prostate cancer are customised according to the stage of the cancer, the patient’s overall health, and personal preferences. These may include active monitoring, surgical removal of the prostate (radical prostatectomy), radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and, in more advanced stages, chemotherapy.

Take charge of your health

The most important step is to get yourself checked. Do not feel ashamed to talk to you family doctor or other healthcare professional. Caught early prostate cancer has a great success rate.

Written By:    Edward Calleja, Consultant Urologist