MEN over the age of 50 are being encouraged to have a blood test which indicates the presence of prostate cancer.
Medics have stressed the importance of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests – as according to them about 21 per cent of cases are diagnosed after reaching an advanced stage.
Men’s health is the focus of a special campaign throughout November with Men’s Day marked with the theme ‘Better health for men and boys’.
Bahrain has registered a steady increase in prostate cancer cases, according to a recent study.
Titled Trends of Bladder and Prostate Cancers, the study published in June showed the number of cases going up from seven in 2014 to 13 in 2018.
Seven cases each were registered in 2015 and 2016.
The study was led by Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) deputy chief of medical services and consultant urologist and Bahrain Cancer Society (BCS) board member Dr Akbar Jalal.
“We (SMC with BCS) had a study which was published in June 2020 showing an increasing trend in incidence from 2014 to 2018,” Dr Jalal told the GDN.
“The rise is most likely due to the widespread usage of PSA as a screening method by multiple healthcare providers thus increasing the detection rate.”
PSA is a protein produced by normal and malignant cells of the prostate and the test measures its level in a man’s blood, a raised level of which might be a sign of malignancy.
Dr Jalal said the PSA test was vital as not everyone experiences symptoms of prostate cancer.
“The disease has a ‘silent progression’ in early stages – about 21pc of the cases are discovered after the disease is advanced.
“Our healthcare system and population should be advised regarding early detection, proper screening methods and disease awareness to ensure a better prognosis.
“This can be achieved with proper screening and treatment plans.”
Shifa Al Jazeera Medical Centre specialist general surgeon Dr M N Subramanyan said the highest incidence of prostate cancer was seen at the age of 70. He, however, added that its causes remain unknown.
“According to researchers, on a basic level, prostate cancer is caused by changes in the DNA of a normal prostate cell,” he said.
“If not detected early, it can spread to other areas like bones, lymph nodes, livers and lungs and treatment becomes impossible.”
Dr Subramanyan said the cancer mainly affected men over 50 years, with risk increasing with age.
“The most common age for men to be diagnosed with prostate cancer is between 65 and 70 years.
“If you’re under 50, your risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer is very low, but it is possible.”
Royal Bahrain Hospital Consultant and assistant professor of Urology Dr Erfai Massud Emtair cited records highlighting the prevalence of the condition in different age groups. The highest of 64pc was commonly seen in men aged between 70 and 80 years, while the lowest (2pc) was among 20- to 30-year-olds, he said.
Between the age of 50 and 60 the incidence rate is 55pc, while it is 32pc between 40 and 50 years and 29pc between 30 and 40 years.
“Some studies have shown decreased risk of prostate cancer with increased intake of vegetables, but these findings are inconsistent,” Dr Massud said.
“Association between fat consumption and prostate cancer has also been observed in some studies.
“No specific preventive or dietary measures are however recommended to reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer.”
Warning symptoms of prostatic disease include frequent urge to urinate especially at night, urinary flow disturbance and dribbling of urine, blood in urine or semen.
Globally, throughout the month of November – with a campaign name of ‘Movember’ – men are encouraged to grow their moustaches to raise awareness and spark conversation about men’s health issues, particularly prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health.
raji@gdn.com.bh
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