Prostate cancer up in Mulago

Aug 20, 2001

DO you know that, if you are a man 40 years and above, especially of the black race, you should get a yearly digital examination to assess the status

By Grace Canada DO you know that, if you are a man 40 years and above, especially of the black race, you should get a yearly digital examination to assess the status of your prostate gland? According to Dr Watya, Urology Unit, Department of Surgery, Mulago Hospital, the rate of prostate cancer has been steadily increasing in the last 10 years. “In a ward of 30 patients, two to four are suffering from prostate cancer,” he said. The prostate gland is located within the pelvis beneath the bladder and surrounds the urethra, (the tube through which urine passes). It plays an important function in reproduction by contributing fluids to the semen. These fluids improve the survival of ejaculated sperm within the vagina. Age, genetics, race and diet are some of the triggers for prostate cancer. As a man ages, it is common for the prostate gland to enlarge. The enlargement could be cancerous or benign (non-cancerous). Cancer of the prostate is higher among black men than in other races. Genetics can predispose one to prostate cancer. If there is a family history of prostate cancer either from the paternal or maternal side of your family, you may be at risk of developing prostate cancer as you grow older. If the cancer is in both sides of your family, your risks are even higher. A diet high in animal fats or fats that are solid at room temperature is associated with cancer of the prostate and other cancers. The problem is that, the symptoms of cancerous and non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland overlap. Thus prostate cancer may be mistaken for benign prostate enlargement, giving the disease time to spread. Otherwise if detected early, cancer of the prostate can be cured. It is therefore important to get a yearly digital physical examination (the doctor insert a gloved finger through the rectum and feels for hardness or enlargement of the prostate gland). If the doctor discovers any abnormality, he or she will order further tests such as x-rays, blood and urine tests, ultra sound examination, and a biopsy (a small potion of the prostate gland tissue is removed by a biopsy needle and tested to determine whether or not the tissue is cancerous or non-cancerous). Signs and symptoms - Difficulty starting to urinate (varying in degree from mild to total blockage of the urine), - Hip or back pain. - Blood in the urine. There are various treatments for prostate cancer. They include: removal of the prostate gland, hormone therapy and others, depending on the condition of the disease. Recommendations - For men 50 years and above, especially if you are black, or if there is history of cancer in the family, you should get a yearly digital examination. - Avoid becoming overweight. Being overweight is linked to some cancers, particularly of the prostate, breast, uterus, ovary, and gallbladder. - Eat sparingly of fats especially animal fats and fats that are solid at room temperature. There is a relationship between high levels of fat intake and occurrence of prostate, colorectal and other cancers. - Eat protective foods that are rich in vitamins A, C and zinc, guava, dark green and deep yellow vegetables, carrots, pumpkin, spinach, cabbage, green pepper, collard greens (sukuma wiki), cauliflower, brussels sprouts, swiss chard, buga, dodo and other greens, dry cooked beans, peas, millet, maize flour No.2, whole wheat flour products and soya products. - Avoid refined, sugary, fatty foods and beverages. - Avoid smoking, or inhalating second hand smoke. - If you drink alcohol do so in moderation. - Get adequate rest and exercise. - Go to bed at reasonable hours around 10.00 p.m. -l Avoid stressful situation whenever you can. These conditions will certainly lower your risks of some types of cancers.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});