\u201cMen are living longer and the number one risk factor is age. So the longer men live, the more likely they are to develop prostate cancer.\u201d<\/p>\n
What are the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer?<\/p>\n
The earlier it\u2019s diagnosed, the better the chance of curing it, Duthie says. However, early prostate cancer is usually asymptomatic.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s why PSA [prostate-specific antigen] testing is so important. <\/p>\n
\u201cIf the cancer\u2019s progressed to the stage where it\u2019s causing bladder symptoms or pain in the bones, often that\u2019s an indicator that the horse has bolted and you\u2019ve missed your opportunity for a cure.\u201d<\/p>\n
Symptoms of prostate cancer may include the sudden need to urinate often, difficulty or pain when urinating, blood in the urine, bone pain or pain in the lower back, hips and thighs, as well as sudden weight loss. <\/p>\n
As men age, many of these symptoms are common \u2013 and may indicate other, non-cancerous prostate conditions.<\/p>\n
When should you get tested?<\/p>\n
Duthie says men should get regular testing for prostate cancer from the age of 55, as it\u2019s less common in younger men.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf there is a family history [with] two or more close family members, the testing should start 10 years younger than the youngest person who had prostate cancer,\u201d Duthie says.<\/p>\n
For example, if a 47-year-old man has been diagnosed with the disease, his son should start getting tested from the age of 37.<\/p>\n
Some medical professionals say PSA screening is ineffective, but Duthie says this is based on outdated data. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve got really good evidence that it\u2019s effective.\u201d<\/p>\n
The PSA is a blood test which indicates whether there is a problem with your prostate \u2013 not necessarily cancer \u2013 and whether further testing is needed.<\/p>\n
A prostate exam, or a DRE (digital rectal examination), won\u2019t necessarily confirm whether or not you have cancer.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s only a limited additional benefit on top of the blood test. So if men are a bit squeamish about having that done, it\u2019s fine. They don\u2019t have to have it,\u201d Duthie says.<\/p>\n
What causes prostate cancer \u2013 and can you reduce your risk?<\/p>\n
About a dozen different genes have been associated with prostate cancer. That doesn\u2019t mean if you have the gene you\u2019re certain to get cancer, but it does increase your risk.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne of those genes is the BRCA2 gene, which is the breast [and] ovarian cancer gene for women. In men, that can cause prostate cancer,\u201d Duthie says.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s an increased risk in the M\u0101ori population, in people of African descent. If you\u2019ve got a family history of two close family members who\u2019ve had it, your personal risk is up to 40%.\u201d<\/p>\n
However, most men diagnosed with the disease don\u2019t have a family history of it. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s just bad luck, because it\u2019s so common.\u201d<\/p>\n
Heavy alcohol intake, smoking and obesity can increase your risk slightly.<\/p>\n
Duthie says many older men with less aggressive prostate cancers are more likely to die of heart disease than of the cancer, and a heart-healthy lifestyle is also good for their prostate.<\/p>\n
Evidence shows that for men who have recurring prostate cancer that\u2019s no longer curable, diet can have an impact on their quality and length of life, he says.<\/p>\n
\u201cThose guys live longer and with a better quality of life if they have a diet that\u2019s rich in leafy green vegetables \u2013 specifically the brassicas, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, silverbeet, Brussels sprouts \u2013 and if they exercise at least four times a week for at least half an hour.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s good for everybody.\u201d<\/p>\n
What treatments are available in New Zealand?<\/p>\n
Treatment options include surgery and radiation, or active surveillance for less aggressive cases.<\/p>\n
\u201cSurgery and radiation both have pros and cons, and it\u2019s really something that has to be tailored to the individual,\u201d Duthie says.<\/p>\n
Advanced prostate cancers may require medical management with chemotherapy, hormone therapy or immunotherapy.<\/p>\n
Diagnostic equipment, techniques and treatments are all getting better, Duthie says.<\/p>\n
However, several of the effective drugs used to treat prostate cancer aren\u2019t funded in New Zealand.<\/p>\n