AN estimated 4,254 new cases of prostate cancer is expected in the Philippines this year and about 2,571 will die from the ailment.
Prostate cancer, according to the Philippine Cancer Society, is the sixth most common cancer and the fourth leading cancer site among males.
The causes of prostate cancer remains unknown up to this time, but several risk factors have been identified, according to a urologist, a doctor who specializes in disorders of the urinary system and the male reproductive system.
The urologist, from the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center, said that age is the most common risk factor, followed by family history and diet.
The increasing number of Filipino males who are 55 years and older is the main reason for the significant increase and expected continuing increase in incident, he said, adding prostate cancer is more prevalent in Western countries than in Asia.
This is the reason why every year we are conducting a digital rectal examination (DRE) among men who are 40 years old and above for screening of potential problem of the prostate gland.
DRE is so-called because it is carried out by a urologist using gloved index finger inserted in the anus to examine the prostate gland that lies at the base of the urinary bladder and above the rectum.
The prostate is a male genital gland about the size of a chestnut (or sineguelas). It secretes a milky fluid that is part of the ejaculation.
The prostate gland surrounds the first inch of the urethra, the tube that carries the urine from the bladder.
Its location allows a physician to feel through the rectum the posterior part of the gland where 30 percent of prostrate cancer occur.
A man's risk for developing prostate cancer is higher if his relatives have a history of the disease.
"Kung may family history ang isang tao, mas mataas ang chance niya na magdevelop ng prostate cancer," said the urologist, who requested anonymity.
Studies have also shown that intake of animal fats as part of a person's diet increases the risks.
A diet rich in tofu and other soya products, green tea, tomatoes (which has lycopine), fruits and vegetables rich in Vitamins E and C are believed to reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
According to the Philippine Cancer Society, prostate cancer often does not have any symptoms at the early stage.
When symptoms do occur, a person may experience the need to urinate frequently, especially at night. There is difficulty in starting to urinate or holding back urine; inability to urinate; weak or interrupted flow of urine; painful or burning urination; difficulty in having an erection; painful ejaculation; blood in urine or semen; and frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back or upper thigh.
Early detection of prostate cancer could lead to a cure.
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