02 Nov, 2022
In support of Movember, which aims to raise
awareness about men’s health and early checkups, we sat with Dr. Omar Al
Hunaidi, Consultant and Urologist, who confirmed that prostate
cancer is the most common type of cancer among men.
Al Hunaidi also stressed the importance of
early examination of the prostate, starting at the age of 50, as it plays a
vital role in the early detection of the disease and the success of the
treatment.
Is Prostate Cancer considered common
among men?
Prostate cancer is the most common type of
cancer among men in Kuwait, according to statistics issued by the World Health
Organization in 2021. Prostate cancer most often affects men after the age of
50, with an average of one in nine men.
Are there factors that increase the
chances of developing prostate cancer in men?
Although there are no clear and direct factors
that raise the chances of developing prostate cancer, research indicates that
age and genetic factors (the hereditary factor, i.e. prostate cancer in
first-degree relatives), may be reasons that increase the chances of developing
prostate cancer.
How important is regular screening
for prostate cancer?
Early prostate examination is a key factor that
helps us as doctors to detect the possibility of prostate cancer and thus
contributes significantly to the success of treatment in a way that does not
affect the patient's life, unlike what may happen in the case of detecting the disease in its advanced stages.
When should men start getting prostate exams? What is the periodicity of the examination?
Based on the recommendations of health authorities specialized in urology, every man over 50 should undergo a PSA prostate enzyme test once a year, which is an elementary and simple blood test, in addition to a manual anal examination once a year as well.
Moreover, if the man has any first-degree relatives who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, then we recommend starting these tests from the age of 45.
From your experience... Do men care about the periodic examination?
Recently, we have noticed an increase in awareness and a high rate of interest among men in Kuwait to undergo prostate exams. However, unfortunately, we are still discovering very advanced stages of prostate cancer in men who have not been examined throughout their lives, and this is due to the lack of awareness.
Does early screening contribute to
confirming the existence of prostate cancer, and does it predict infection before it
occurs?
The PSA test is useful in identifying whether a
man is suspected of having prostate cancer or not, and if the PSA enzyme is
high, which means that infection is suspected, an MRI of the prostate is done
with some samples taken to confirm the diagnosis, and if the diagnosis is
confirmed, the type of tumor and treatment plan are determined.
Is the discovery of the disease only
through examinations, or can this be done through symptoms?
There are no symptoms of prostate cancer, especially in its early stages, unless the disease reaches the bones and the patient begins to complain of pain in the back or pelvis; this stage is very advanced, and recovery is difficult.
It is worth noting that the most prevalent
stage of prostate cancer is the low-risk stage that requires only periodic
follow-up without drug interventions, but if the stage is more aggressive, we
may resort to surgical intervention or radiotherapy, or even hormonal therapy if the prostate cancer is more widespread and ferocious.
Can a man with prostate cancer
engage in work and social life during the treatment journey?
Yes, the patient during his treatment journey
from prostate cancer, especially when it is discovered in its early stages, can
live his life normally as before the discovery of the disease, to the extent
that he may forget that he has prostate cancer.
The chances of developing prostate
cancer rise in men.
True, the older the men, the higher the
incidence of prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is fatal
Wrong, prostate cancer is easy to diagnose, treat, and often is not fatal, as its impact on human life is minimal,
especially with early detection.
If you don't have symptoms... there
is no need to get tested.
Wrong, because the early stages of the disease
are often asymptomatic.
Prostate cancer is slow to spread
That’s correct.
Prostate cancer is a genetic
disease.
That’s correct in some cases.
