The good news is that prostate cancer is not as aggressive as other cancers and occurs mostly in men over the age of 65, who are more likely to die from other causes. The concern, however, is that we are starting to see a higher incidence of prostate cancer in younger men.
Based on Liberty’s claim statistics for 2014, prostate cancer made up nearly one-third of cancer claims by men and more than 30% of prostate cancer cases were found in men younger than 55 years old. Prostate cancer is no longer an “old man’s” disease. The fact that most prostate cancers develop without men experiencing any symptoms in the early stages means that regular testing is very important.
This month, known as “Movember”, if you really want to support the drive against prostate cancer don’t just grow the moustache. If you are over the age of 45 you should have a check at least every three years. If you show any symptoms, get tested immediately.
Liberty’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Philippa Peil gives us the lowdown.
What is prostate cancer?
The prostate is a gland found only in men and is situated immediately below the bladder and in front of the bowel. It produces fluid that protects and enriches sperm. Cancer occurs when some of the cells in the prostate reproduce more rapidly than normal, resulting in a malignant tumour. If left untreated, the cancer may eventually spread into other parts of the body such as the lymph nodes and bones. By this stage the cancer is more difficult to treat and chances of surviving decrease.
Is a positive diagnosis a death sentence?
No, not at all. A recent study has shown that men with unaggressive cancer are unlikely to die from prostate cancer and treatment should be constant surveillance rather than a prostectomy in which the prostate is removed.
It also depends on the choices you make around your lifestyle. Studies suggest that if you continue to eat a Western diet after a diagnosis of prostate cancer instead of more vegetables, fruit, fish, grains and legumes you’ll increase your risk of dying from prostate cancer. A similar study found that intensive lifestyle changes, such as a healthier diet and frequent exercise, may slow the rate of growth of the cancer.
What are the factors that increase the chances of developing prostate cancer?
Your lifestyle plays a significant role in increasing your risk factors. A sedentary or inactive lifestyle and bad eating habits will increase the risk of most cancers. If you have a family history of prostate cancer, or have the BRCA 1 and 2 genes, your risk factor is significantly higher. The genes that produce tumour suppressors are absent in people with BRCA 1 and 2. It’s this gene marker that made Angelina Jolie take the step of having a double mastectomy.
Older males are at greater risk and black men are more likely to develop prostate cancer compared with white men.
What are the symptoms?
Often there are no symptoms at all, which is why screening is so important. But if you have any of the following, you need to see a doctor immediately:
- Problem with passing urine (slow flow, hesitancy, frequency, urgency)
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Reduced ability to get an erection
- Painful ejaculation
What does the test involve?
Screening for prostate cancer may involve a PSA level and/or a digital examination. The blood test measures the levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a protein produced by the prostate. Rising levels of PSA indicate a problem, but this is not specific for cancer. Researchers are working on different tumour markers to identify cancer more specifically.
Unfortunately not all men with prostate cancer will have raised PSA levels, as other factors could interfere with the test results such as being overweight. Obese men have a naturally lower level of PSA. Therefore the PSA blood test, together with a digital rectal exam, is best for early detection. However, both tests may result in false positives and negatives.
If a lump is felt in the prostate, but the PSA test is normal then a biopsy is not required, but a repeat PSA in six months’ time is advisable. If the result of one of the tests is abnormal, you will need a prostate biopsy where samples are taken from the prostate and sent to the laboratory for examination under a microscope.
When a prostate biopsy is done, the cancer cells can be missed. Scientists are working on finding ways to enhance the cancer cells so that doctors can easily identify them, reducing the risk of cancer being missed.
Financial protection against cancer
Regular testing: Not all medical schemes cover the preventative tests from risk cover. Liberty Medical Scheme covers one prostate test per beneficiary every three years for males 45 years and older as part of its Preventative Care Benefits – it does not affect your day-to-day medical savings.
Supplementing medical cover: All medical schemes are required to cover cancer as part of the prescribed minimum benefits, but few schemes provide unlimited cancer cover, especially certain expensive cancer treatments – such as medicines classed as biological drugs. Liberty Medical Gap Cover, taken as an additional insurance policy to augment your medical scheme cover, provides a once-off payment of R25 000 should you or your dependants be diagnosed with cancer. Where a co-payment is due for any cancer-related treatment after a medical scheme’s sub-limit or threshold has been exceeded, cover will be provided for up to a maximum co-payment of 20%, subject to an annual maximum of R250 000 per individual.
Protecting your finances: Depending on the aggressiveness of the cancer you may incur additional expenses or be required to take time off work. Liberty’s Lifestyle Protection and Loss of Income Protection would provide financial security so you can focus on recovery.
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