Physician Advises Men Over 40 On Prostate Cancer

A family health physician, Dr Derin Awolaja, on Friday advised men over 40 years to have their Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test done every year for early detection of prostate cancer. Awolaja, of St. Vincent Hospital, Ibadan, gave this advice while speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan.
She said that prostate cancer was the commonest form of cancer in men and the highest cause of death in older men. “Cancer is perhaps the most feared health condition in our society due to its high death rates, monetary and emotional implications. “However, death from cancer is preventable with early detection and treatment. “Men over 40 are advised to have their PSA done every year to detect prostate cancer early. “PSA is a protein produced by cells of the prostate gland and the PSA test measures the level of protein in a man’s blood,” she said. According to her, the normal value of PSA should be between 0-4. Awolaja said that while there are no known specific causes of prostate cancer, certain factors like family history and high fat diet increased a man’s risk of prostate cancer. “The mere fact that you are a man predisposes you to prostate cancer because it is hormonal dependent like breast cancer. “Family history as well as growing older also increases your risk of prostate cancer. “Prostate cancer is more common in men over 50, although younger men can also have it,” she said. Awolaja said that while symptoms of prostate cancer could include a weak flow of urine or frequent urination, other conditions could also cause these symptoms. “Other symptoms may include trouble starting the flow of urine; pain or burning while urinating; blood in the urine or semen, dizziness and fatigue,” she said. According to her, prostate cancer does not usually show symptoms in the early stage and men should be involved in healthy habit to reduce the risk of developing the condition. “Men should cultivate the habit of healthy lifestyle which includes a healthy diet and plenty of physical activity. “Lifestyle changes will be in order for those who smoke and drink excessive alcohol,” she said. (NAN)