PROSTATE CANCER: THE MYTHS, FACTS AND ESSENTIAL TIPS YOU SHOULD KNOW

September is International Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and in November men grow moustaches to raise awareness of this disease. Here are some facts and myths about the disease.

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The more you know about the prostate, the better you can understand how prostate cancer can develop and how it might influence your life.

The prostate is deep inside the groin, between the base of the penis and the rectum. A healthy one is about the size of a walnut. It's not essential for life but plays an important role in reproduction. The gland makes a fluid that helps sperm to move and survive.

Prostate cancer develops in the tissues of the gland when its cells multiply uncontrollably. It can spread to other parts of the body.

Related article: How to talk to your teen about testicular cancer

WHO’S AT RISK?
Prostate cancer is most common in white males (1 in 10) and least common in black males (1 in 48), although it is on the rise in this group. The good news is that many men who develop it can beat it, but it does kill one man in South Africa every seven hours. There are about 25 known types of prostate cancer, and there are probably just as many myths about them. Here are just six of the more common myths:



Myth 1: It’s an old man’s disease. It's rare under 40, but men in their late 30s have been diagnosed with the disease. Men over 50 should have an annual check-up and those with a family history of the disease should start at 40.

Myth 2: I have no symptoms, so I don’t have prostate cancer. There are a variety of symptoms – lower back pain, difficulty urinating, a weak flow of urine, the need to urinate often during the night and blood in the urine or semen. But most men are diagnosed before they notice symptoms.

Myth 3: I have no family history of prostate cancer so I might be okay. Family history doubles your chances of diagnosis, but 1 in 23 men in South Africa with no family history are still likely to be diagnosed with the disease.

Related article: Family history: Why it’s important and what to know

Myth 4: Treatment causes impotence or other erectile dysfunction. Only if nerves around the gland are affected during surgery. This could be aggravated by factors such as age, general health and problems you had before. Most men won’t have permanent sexual problems after treatment.

Myth 5: Sex increases the risk. It doesn’t. In fact, some studies suggest that regular ejaculation reduces the risk.

Myth 6: It can be passed on to a sexual partner. It’s not an STD – you can't pass it on.



KEEP YOUR PROSTATE HEALTHY
Green tea and hibiscus tea have strong antioxidants, so they are great drinks for prostate health. Studies show green tea can help prevent prostate cancer from forming and may also slow the growth of aggressive prostate cancer.

Many studies show that moderate or vigorous exercise helps with prostatitis. It’s good for cardiovascular health as well and can help prevent other health and sexual problems. If you are overweight, losing it is a big favour you can do to your prostate health.

In parts of the world where prostate cancer rates are lower, men have a common diet. They eat fish and plant-based protein. They do not eat a lot of sugar or processed foods. The best diet for prostate health is low in sugar, processed foods and saturated fats.

Stress is bad for prostate health. Some men tighten their pelvic muscles when they’re stressed and don't even realise it. Constant tightening can create pelvic floor muscle problems and be one of the causes of chronic prostatitis.

Remember that the best way to beat any form of cancer is early detection. Get into the habit of having regular medical check-ups to keep track of what’s happening in your body.

Related article: 7 Health checks every man should have

Sources: https://www.pcf.org, https://prostate.org.nz