Fewer Dead Men Required: early detection of prostate cancer

Early detection of prostate cancer saves lives. In New Zealand, over 4,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year, and tragically, around 750 die from the disease. That’s nearly as many men as lost to COVID-19 during the pandemic. It is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among New Zealand men (after skin cancers), and it’s the second leading cause of cancer-related death in men, right behind lung cancer.

But here’s the thing: prostate cancer doesn’t have to be the silent killer that it is. With early detection and some proactive steps, lives can be saved.

Let’s look at how you can lower your own risk of prostate cancer and live a longer, healthier life.

Prostate Cancer: Understanding the basics

The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located just under the bladder and in front of the rectum. It surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder, and its job is to produce the seminal fluid (semen) that carries sperm during ejaculation.

When cancer develops in the prostate, the cells in the gland start to grow uncontrollably, which can lead to tumours. These tumours can sometimes spread to other parts of the body, making early detection critical.

Know your numbers

Men over the age of 50 should start talking to their doctor about prostate cancer and discuss the possibility of a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test. Early detection is the key to preventing deaths from prostate cancer, and the PSA test is one of the best ways to detect it before symptoms appear.

Factors that increase the risk of prostate cancer 

While we can’t pinpoint a single cause for prostate cancer, we do know that some men are at a greater risk than others. Things like age, race/ancestry, genetics, and family history are all related to risk. For example:

• Age: Men over 50 are at higher risk of prostate cancer, although younger men can also develop prostate cancer.
• Race/Ethnicity: Black men, or men of African ancestry, are at a higher risk and should begin screenings at age 40.
• Family History: If your father, brother, or uncle had prostate cancer, your risk is increased. A family history of breast or ovarian cancer in women can also raise your risk.
• Genetics: Some inherited gene mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, may also increase the risk of prostate cancer.

Don’t hesitate to get tested

Talk to your GP, ask about tests or screening. Your doctor is the expert and can advise you what to do. Even if you don’t have symptoms, getting checked out regularly can catch issues before they develop into something more serious.

Symptoms of prostate cancer

The tricky thing about prostate cancer is that it often shows no signs, especially in the early stages. In fact, many men can live with the disease for years without realising it.

If symptoms do appear, they can include:

• Difficulty urinating or a frequent need to urinate, especially at night
• Painful or uncomfortable urination
• Blood in the urine or semen
• Pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis
• Erectile dysfunction or discomfort during sex

But remember: these symptoms don’t automatically mean you have prostate cancer. There are many potential causes, so don’t panic – just talk to your doctor.

Conclusion: The fight against prostate cancer starts with you

By raising awareness, and taking personal responsibility for our health, we can reduce the number of men who die from prostate cancer each year. Your health is in your hands – so talk to your doctor, get checked, and be proactive. Because fewer dead men required means more fathers, sons, and friends around for years to come.

Take action today. It could save a life – maybe even your own.