Because prostate cancer is among the most common cancer for men in our country, the Department of Health has duly recognized the need for “Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.” Celebrated during the month of June, it remains a persistent push for more public information and knowledge, as well as greater patient empowerment, in order to achieve considerable health gains.

According to the Philippine Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the fourth most common cancer among Filipino men —  with roughly eight new cases diagnosed each day. Before the age of 75, one out of every 100 males would have died from this condition. As such, it’s now even more important to boost awareness about men's health, particularly in terms of early detection of prostate cancer.

What is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer affects the prostate gland. Males have this small walnut-shaped gland called the prostate — it generates seminal fluid, which nourishes and transports sperm.

The exact cause of prostate cancer is unknown. What doctors know is that prostate cancer develops when cells in the prostate have mutations in their DNA. The alterations cause the cells to proliferate and expand at a faster rate than normal cells. When other cells would die, the abnormal cells continue to live.

The risk factors for prostate cancer include old age (most common in men aged 50 and older), race (Black people have been found to have greater risk), family history, and obesity.

Many prostate cancers are slow-growing and limited only to the prostate gland, where they are unlikely to cause substantial harm. However, while some types of prostate cancer grow slowly and require little or no therapy, others are aggressive and can spread quickly. As such, the early detection of prostate cancer (when it's still restricted to the prostate gland), gives you the best likelihood of successful treatment.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

In its early stages, there may be no signs or symptoms that point to prostate cancer. When it’s more advanced, the signs and symptoms include trouble urinating, reduced force in the urine stream, the appearance of blood in the urine or semen, and erectile dysfunction. Some patients may also experience loss of weight and bone pain. 

If you have any persistent signs or symptoms, make sure to schedule an appointment with your doctor.

The level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in a man's blood can be used to detect prostate cancer in its early stages. Another way to detect prostate cancer is through a digital rectal exam (DRE), in which the doctor inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to feel the prostate gland for abnormally enlarged and hard tissue. If the findings of either of these tests are abnormal, prostate ultrasound and biopsy are required to determine whether there is cancer.

What Can Be Done for Prostate Cancer Prevention?

To reduce the risk of prostate cancer, make sure that you and/or the men in your life take note of the following:

• Eat a healthy diet - Go for a diet with a rich and diverse selection of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. While the possibility of preventing prostate cancer with nutrition has yet to be proven, eating a well-balanced diet can definitely help improve your overall health.
• Maintain a healthy weight - If your present weight is already healthy, make an effort to keep it that way by eating well and exercising most days of the week. If you want to lose weight, increase your exercise and cut your daily calorie intake. Consult your doctor for assistance in devising a weight-loss strategy that is both healthy and effective.
• Exercise regularly - Exercise helps you maintain a healthy weight and even offers psychological benefits. Take the time to exercise on most days of the week. If you're new to fitness, begin slowly and gradually increase your exercise time each day.
• Talk to your doctor about your risks of prostate cancer - The discussion about screening should begin around the age of 50. For those with higher risks (such as those who have a first-degree relative like a father, brother, or son diagnosed with prostate cancer), this should be done earlier. 

Note that regular screening is the most effective strategy to detect prostate cancer in its early stages. Those who haven't undergone screening should discuss their choices with their doctor.