Prostate cancer: Five common myths of prostate cancer every man must know
PROSTATE cancer is the most common cancer among men, yet many men know little about the disease or are misinformed by the various myths surrounding it. One doctor at Bupa dispels five common myths relating to prostate cancer and advises when you should see a GP.
According to Prostate Cancer, more than 47,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in the UK every year. That’s 129 men per day. Around 400,000 men are currently living with and after the condition. Every 45 minutes one man dies from prostate cancer, equating to more than 11,000 men each year. Despite the disease being the most common type of cancer among men, lots of men in the UK know little about it. This may be partly due to there being a number of myths surrounding the condition. Dr Arun Thiyagarajan, medical director at Bupa Health Clinics, reveals the truth behind the five biggest myths related to prostate cancer.
Myth 1: I don’t have any symptoms, so can’t have prostate cancer
Prostate cancer often takes hold before any symptoms begin to surface. For many, the early noticeable symptoms include pain or subtle differences in urination, but this can be mild and get progressively worse over several years.
Other symptoms can include pain in bones across your hips and back.
“The key is to have regular health checks even if you aren’t necessarily experiencing symptoms, or if symptoms are mild,” said Dr Arun.
“This will give you peace of mind or if necessary ensure you can access treatment as early as possible, which is crucial to better outcomes.”
Myth 2: I’m not old, so I don’t need to worry about itWhile prostate cancer is more common in those over 50, it’s still possible to get it at an earlier age.
“Don’t feel you are immune to it or that it’s something you don’t need to worry about because you’re under the age of 50 – be proactive about your health and get regular health checks.”
Myth 3: Prostate cancer is hereditary, so if nobody in my family has had it, I’m safeUnfortunately, while family history of prostate cancer means it’s more likely for you to develop the disease, this doesn’t mean you’re immune to it if your brother, father or any other male in the family has never had it.
“One in seven men today will develop prostate cancer, making it incredibly common and therefore it isn’t as simple as putting it down to family history.”
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Prostate cancer is more common among over - 50s but can still happen in younger men
Myth 4: My GP has recommended a PSA test, so they think I have cancer
“This isn’t true,” explains Dr Arun. “PSA tests measure the levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the prostate. It is not a specific test for cancer, meaning you shouldn’t be overly concerned should you be referred for a test by your GP.”
“The PSA test does, however, make cancer detection in its early stages possible, which is very important.”
Myth 5: I won’t be able to live well after prostate cancer diagnosis
“Prostate cancer affects more men than any other cancer, but with quick diagnosis, intervention and tailored treatment, there is a very good chance of beating it.”
Prostate cancer survival in the UK has tripled in the last 40 years, while 84 per cent of men survive prostate cancer for 10 or more years after diagnosis.
“The important thing is to seek regular health checks and advice from clinical experts who can diagnose any issues as early as possible, giving you a much better chance of living life to the fullest and hopefully beating the disease after diagnosis.”
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Foods to eat
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats is thought to protect the prostate.
Specific foods known to benefit the prostate include:
- Salmon: Salmon is rich in healthy fats that contain omega-3 fatty acids, which help prevent and reduce inflammation
- within the body. Other cold-water fish, such as sardines and trout, are also rich in these types of fats.
- Tomatoes: Tomatoes are packed with lycopene, an antioxidant that may benefit prostate gland cells. Cooking tomatoes, such as in tomato sauce or soup, helps to release the lycopene and make it more readily available to the body.
- Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are excellent sources of antioxidants, which help to remove free radicals from the body. Free radicals are the byproducts of reactions that occur within the body and can cause damage and disease over time.
- Broccoli: Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, including bok choy, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage, contain a chemical known as sulforaphane. This is thought to target cancer cells and promote a healthy prostate.
- Nuts: Nuts are rich in zinc, a trace mineral. Zinc is found in high concentrations in the prostate and is thought to help balance testosterone and DHT. Besides nuts, shellfish and legumes are also high in zinc. Mixed nuts are available for purchase in grocery stores and online.
- Citrus: Oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits are all high in vitamin C, which may help to protect the prostate gland.
- Onions and garlic: One study found that men with BPH tended to eat less garlic and onions that men without BPH. More research is needed to confirm these results, but onions and garlic are healthful additions to most diets.
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