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Take a Moment in Time
It’s never too late to get checked
June 2015
|
Men’s Health
June 15th - 21st
Did you know?
The prostate is
the size of a
WALNUT
Only MEN have prostates
APPROX 3CM
The prostate tends to INCREASE IN SIZE WITH AGE
WHAT PROSTATE CHANGES
SHOULD YOU BE AWARE OF?
The symptoms for prostate cancer can be similar to prostatitis of
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), however some men do not
have symptoms at all.
Men may have other prostate
changes that are not cancer.
Growing older raises your risk of
prostate problems.
The three most common prostate
problems are:
SYMPTOMS FOR PROSTATE CANCER
• Difficulty starting urination.
• Weak or interrupted flow of urine.
• Frequent urination, especially at night.
1. Inflammation (prostatitis)
• Difficulty emptying the bladder completely.
2. Enlarged prostate (BPH, or
• Pain or burning during urination.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)
3. Prostate cancer
• Pain in the back, hips or pelvis that doesn’t
go away.
If you have any symptoms that worry you, be sure to see your doctor right away. Keep in
mind these symptoms may be caused by conditions other than prostate cancer.
The more you know...
AGE
The older a man is, the greater his risk for getting prostate cancer.
FAMILY HISTORY
FATHER MOTHER
A man with a father, brother, or son who has had prostate cancer is
two to three times more likely to develop the disease himself.
SON
SON
SON
GRAND
SON
RACE
Although any man is at risk of prostate cancer, studies show that
some ethnic groups are more prone to developing it than others.
Aggressive vs. Slow Growing Tumors
In the past few years, it has been discovered that prostate cancer really is several diseases with different
causes. More aggressive tumors likely have different underlying causes than slow-growing tumors.
Smoking has not been thought to be a risk factor for low-risk prostate cancer, but it may be a risk factor
for aggressive prostate cancer.
Lack of vegetables in the diet (especially broccoli-family such as cauliflower, kale and sprouts)
is linked to a higher risk of aggressive prostate cancer, but not to low-risk prostate cancer.
Body mass index, a measure of obesity, is not linked to being diagnosed with prostate cancer
overall. However, obese men are more likely to have an aggressive tumor.
Other risk factors for aggressive prostate cancer include:
HIGH CALCIUM INTAKE
LACK OF EXERCISE AND A
SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE
FAMILY HISTORY
It is not easy to predict which tumors will grow and spread quickly and which will grow slowly. Every man
should discuss his situation and risk of prostate cancer with his doctor so they can work together to make
a decision.
Early detection is vital
According to Cancer Research UK, the five-year survival rate for men found to have the disease at stage
one or two is almost 100 percent. This falls to between 70 and 80 percent at stage three. Other
countries in Europe range from 48% (Denmark) to 87% (Austria). In Sub-Saharan Africa and South East Asia,
the five-year survival rate is less than 40% in most countries.
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Screening and Prevention
Diagnostic Tests
Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) - A digital rectal exam is an early, simple test
to screen for prostate cancer. It can catch the disease early, when it’s most treatable. Ask
your doctor if you should have one and what to expect.
PSA test - PSA stands for “prostate specific antigen.” PSA is a substance produced by
cells from the prostate gland and released into the blood. The PSA test measures the PSA
level in the blood. The doctor checks the blood to see if the PSA level is normal.
Be informed
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and American Cancer Society are among many who follow
the prostate cancer screening recommendations set forth by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, which
recommends against prostate specific antigen (PSA)-based screening for men who do not have symptoms.
Diffferent organizations may have other recommendations so it is important to talk to your doctor
and make an informed decision.
Informed decision making occurs when you:
• Understand the nature and risk of prostate cancer.
• Understand the risks, benefits, and alternatives to screening.
• Participate in the decision to be screened or not at a level you desire.
• Make a decision consistent with your preferences and values.
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THIS MONTH ON RAMADAN
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Smoking and
Health
APRIL
What’s to come...
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Summertime
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MAY
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JULY
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SOURCE
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http://preventcancer.org/prevention/preventable-cancers/prostate-cancer/educational-materials/
http://www.prostatehealth.org.au/educational-resources/phip-series/phip1/
http://www.prostateconditions.org/prostate-conditions/prostate-cancer
Ferlay J, Soerjomataram I, Ervik M, Dikshit R, Eser S, Mathers C, Rebelo M, Parkin DM, Forman D, Bray, F. GLOBOCAN 2012 v1.0, Cancer Incidence and Mortality Worldwide: IARC CancerBase No. 11 [Internet]. Lyon, France:
International Agency for Research on Cancer; 2013. Available from: http://globocan.iarc.fr, accessed on 21/05/15.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/prostate/basic_info/get-screened.htm
National Cancer Institute: http://www.cancer.gov/types/prostate/understanding-prostate-changes/prostate_booklet.pdf
Disclaimer: The materials contained here are general in nature and are not intended to be used for the diagnosis or treatment of a health problem or as a
substitute to consulting a licensed medical professional. Health information should always be carefully reviewed with your health care provider. MetLife will not be
held responsible for misuse of information or any adverse effects of recommendations stated in these resources.
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