A STUDY has found that more than half of the men in Bahrain most vulnerable to prostate cancer have never been screened.
It focused on a sample of 74 respondents aged 50 and above, as they are most at risk.
However, 60 per cent had never had a prostate exam and most (53pc) did not consider it to be a major problem in Bahrain.
Meanwhile, the overwhelming majority did not understand the dangers and only 32pc correctly identified the age at which men are most at risk.
“Our study of 74 men, mainly Bahrainis, is a good sample as it comprised men in the most at risk category, aged 50 years and over,” said co-author Ahmed Almumin.
“We found a major lack of awareness, clubbed with men tending to ignore symptoms – one of which is a burning sensation while urinating.
“Twenty-seven per cent did not have knowledge on this common symptom.”
The research was conducted by Mr Almumin, a final-year medical student, and Fahad Altailsan, a nursing graduate.
Both are students from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) and they were assisted by its school of medicine graduate, Dr James Cowman.
The research was supervised by RCSI’s Professor Seamus Cowman and former nursing lecturer Dr Elizabeth Weathers.
“There is a need for a comprehensive health awareness programme on prostate cancer in Bahrain,” added Mr Almumin.
“The study also supported the need for a men’s health agenda, particularly the potential for prostate cancer screening in health centres around the kingdom.”
Prostate cancer affects the prostate gland, which produces some of the fluid in semen and plays a role in urine control in men.
According to World Cancer Research Fund, prostate cancer is the second most commonly occurring cancer in men – and the fourth most commonly occurring cancer overall, with 1.3 million new cases last year.
Symptoms include noticeable burning while urinating or during ejaculation, a frequent need to urinate, blood in urine and semen, pain in the bones, erectile dysfunction, difficulty starting or stopping a stream of urine and an inability to urinate standing up.
(From left, Mr Almumin, Prof Cowman and Mr Al Altailsan)
Some of those surveyed for the study said they had not undergone screening for various reasons, including being too busy, a lack of transport or simply fear about what doctors might find.
“The primary aim of the study was to ascertain the knowledge and attitudes of men living in Bahrain towards prostate cancer and health in general,” Mr Almumin said.
“One of the major concerns about prostate cancer is the lack of awareness.”
He suggested nominating a month dedicated to raising awareness of prostate cancer in Bahrain, similar to breast cancer awareness in October each year.
Understanding
“I think November should be dedicated for prostate cancer, which will help give men a general understanding about their health,” added the 23-year old from Muharraq.
The GDN reported on Sunday that it was believed the number of cancer cases in Bahrain was almost double the previous estimates.
It had been thought there were just over 400 new cancer cases every year, but the King Hamad University Hospital now puts the figure at almost 800.
“We believe the main issue is screening,” said Mr Almumin.
“Men who have symptoms (of prostate cancer) don’t recognise it and some don’t consider this as a problem.
“We encourage them to go for screening, which helps in early detection and prevention.”
raji@gdn.com.bh
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