What is the Prostate?

The prostate is a small gland, about the size and shape of a walnut, or the size of a ping pong ball.

Where? Low in the pelvis, below the bladder just in front of the rectum, and surrounds part of the urethra through which urine is carried out of the bladder and through the penis.

Function? Part of a man’s reproductive system; helps produce semen (the milky fluid) that keep sperm alive, which is released during ejaculation. The prostate processes hormones, like testosterone, every day as part of its normal function.

What is PSA (or Prostate-Specific Antigen)? PSA is a glycoprotein that liquefies semen and is produced by the prostate. PSA is mostly contained in the prostate, but very small amounts can normally be found in the blood. ^2-4

What happens when you develop

Prostate Cancer?

Who should be screened?

Any age

If you experience (or have experienced) any urinary symptoms.¹⁷

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At age 40+

Black men (African descent)
Those with a family history of prostate and/or breast cancer in a first degree relative. ¹⁷

At age 45+

All other men.¹⁷

What puts you at risk of getting Prostate Cancer?

Age

Prostate cancer is strongly associated with old age, and most men that develop prostate cancer do so around 55 years of age. ^1,6

Ethnicity

Men of African descent (Black males) are more at risk of developing Prostate Cancer than other ethnicities and are more at risk of the disease progressing faster. ⁵

Family history

Those with a family history of Prostate Cancer are more likely to also develop Prostate Cancer and tend to do so 6-7 years before someone without a family history. ⁵

Your own genes

Those with known genetic mutations (changes in some parts of your cell) may be at risk of more aggressive Prostate Cancer. ⁵

Chronic conditions

Those with hypertension (high blood pressure) and other signs of metabolic syndrome, such as a large waist circumference, are at a higher risk of developing Prostate Cancer. ⁵

Obesity

Being very overweight may not be the cause of Prostate Cancer, but it has been shown to increase your risk of developing more severe Prostate Cancer and death.⁵

Reasons why you should get screened for Prostate Cancer.

1 in 4 males diagnosed with cancer in South Africa, has cancer of the prostate. ⁶

Prostate Cancer, in its early stages, can be silent. As it may not cause symptoms, you may not be aware that you have it. Early detection of Prostate Cancer remains the critical factor that improves the quality of life and survival of those diagnosed. ⁶ If you do experience symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice as soon as possible from a doctor to identify possible conditions, which may or may not be cancer. ³

When Prostate Cancer is detected early through screening, and not only when you experience symptoms, there is a better chance that the cancer is still in its early stages. When Prostate Cancer is detected in the early stages: ^3,4,7

you have more treatment options
these options might have less treatment side effects
you may have a better chance of stopping Prostate Cancer from progressing.

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How often should you be screened?

Not everybody needs to be regularly screened for Prostate Cancer. ⁵ If your PSA level was low on your first test, you only need to be screened again in 2 years' time. ¹⁷If your PSA levels was higher than normal, you may need to be screened every year. ¹⁷

Talk to your healthcare provider today about getting screened for Prostate Cancer.

Stand up – Get tested.

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If not Prostate Cancer, what could be wrong with my prostate?

You may have been experiencing symptoms, which are worrying. These symptoms may include: ³ 

(It is always best to seek a medical opinion when such symptoms develop.)

A weak urine stream.
Having to go to the toilet suddenly and immediately to pee (called urgency).

Having trouble starting to pee (called hesitancy).
Leaking urine without being able to control it (called incontinence).

Feeling like you have not emptied your bladder completely after you peed.
Having to go to the toilet often to pee (called frequency).

If you experience symptoms, but the results of the blood or physical exam are not clear about your condition, keep in mind that other conditions may also cause symptoms or positive results on screening tests. These may include: ^3,5,7

Urinary tract infection
Cycling or recent ejaculation
Certain medication
Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH) – a condition where the prostate is enlarged and puts pressure on the urinary tract and bladder
Prostatitis – Inflammation of the prostate

Can I prevent getting Prostate Cancer?

It is important to keep in mind that you might not necessarily prevent the development of Prostate Cancer, but there is a lot that you can do to reduce the risk of getting it.¹⁸ Although you may not be able to control your age, your ethnicity, genetics or family history, it is important to take them into consideration to make sure you are screened appropriately – as appropriate screening is an important factor in the prevention of advanced disease.⁴

What you can control is how well you maintain a healthy lifestyle, control any chronic conditions and keep a positive mindset. Research has shown diet and lifestyle are the 2 most important preventative factors in Prostate Cancer.⁴

A healthy balanced diet^4,18

An “anti-inflammatory diet” is low in red meat, sugar, processed foods, and dairy products, and high in foods that fight inflammation.
Eat more fish as it contains “good fat,” particularly omega-3 fatty acids. Avoid trans fatty acids (for example, margarine, microwave popcorn, packaged baked goods).
Be careful with daily dairy and calcium intake. Some calcium is okay, keep the dose to less than 1200 mg a day.
Cooked tomatoes contain high lycopene levels which may help to protect against the cellular damage associated with cancer.
Using extra virgin olive oil (1-3 tablespoons per day, depending on your size) is better than other fats and oils.
Add cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli and cauliflower) into many of your weekly meals, as it can help shift your intestinal flora away from the types of bacteria that are related to prostate cancer.
Soy contains isoflavonoids which may be associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer.
Green tea’s high antioxidant properties may be beneficial in warding off cancer.
Enjoy coffee. Research has shown that drinking 3 cups per day of unfiltered “Italian style” coffee may lower your risk for prostate cancer.
Although some food-based ingredients can help prevent cancer, it is best (and cheaper) when obtained from a healthy, balanced diet rather than from a bottle. Add lots of vegetables, whole grains, fish, and healthy oils to your meals every day.

Lifestyle choices, exercise and weight control⁴

Eat fewer calories AND exercise more to maintain a healthy weight. Vigorous exercise, within the bounds of safety for your personal physical fitness level, has been shown to reduce a man’s chance of developing fatal forms of prostate cancer.
Avoid smoking, as it is associated with many health risks, including cancer progression.
Use alcohol in moderation. Consider trying one glass of red wine per day, which contains resveratrol which could possibly have cancer-fighting properties.
Keep stress-related conditions, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and depression under control with the necessary medical treatment support.
Relax and enjoy life. Studies have shown that the stress hormone cortisol can interfere with cancer cell death. Reducing stress will improve your survivorship and lead to a longer, happier life.

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