"There is strong likelihood of complete cure, with either surgery or radiation therapy, for cancer found to be localised to the prostate gland," stated Dr Farhat Abbas, Associate Professor of Urology at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), at a programme on 'Diseases of the Prostrate Gland' held in Hyderabad.
In his presentation titled 'Prostate Cancer', he recommended that men over 50 should undergo annual physical examination of the prostate gland, called digital rectal examination (DRE), and PSA blood test, to detect the disease at an early stage. All middle aged and elderly men with obstructive or irritative urinary symptoms should have a detailed evaluation for the cause of their symptoms. Though rarely seen in men under 50, the risk of the disease gets higher with increasing age.
He advised against high intake of animal fat and red meat, and recommended intake of vitamins and yellow-coloured fruits, green leafy vegetables and tomato products, all of which may have a protective role. Dr Abbas said that it is best that prostate cancer be diagnosed at an early stage, when potentially curative therapy can be employed. Modern treatments are now available in Pakistan and are generally well tolerated with low side effects.
Dr Raziuddin Biyabani, Consul and Urologist and Head of Urology Section at AKUH, said that common benign disorders of the prostate gland include 'Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia' (BPH), aging process caused by non-cancerous enlargement of prostate gland, and Prostatitis, which is infection or inflammation of the gland.
A proper diagnosis is essential, and 'PSA' test helps in detecting any cancer of the prostate. He said that not all patients with enlarged prostate gland require surgery. Prostatitis frequently affects young and middle-aged persons and usually produces painful urination and other painful effects.-PR