2,500 Pinoys feared to die of prostate cancer this year

An estimated 2,500 Filipinos are expected to die this year from prostate cancer, an illness that hardly shows any symptoms, according to a report of the Philippine Cancer Society (PCS).

In its "2005 Philippine Cancer Facts and Estimates," the PCS said prostate cancer is the fourth most prevalent cancer site for males, accounting for 8.2 percent of all cancer cases in the country.

The prostate, a walnut-sized gland in men, is located just below the bladder and surrounds the urethra. Its main function is to produce fluid for semen.

"Males who start a healthy lifestyle early in life and are able to sustain the healthy habits throughout life may lower their individual risk of prostate cancer," the PCS said.

According to Dr. Ernie Vera, who heads the Degenerative Disease Division of the Department of Health (DOH), every male above 40 years old should undergo rectal examination every year to catch prostate cancer in its early stages.

He issued the call in time for the celebration of the "Prostate Cancer Month" this June.

"It is important to undergo this examination because you can monitor changes in your prostate gland. You have to go to your urologist for this," he said in an interview.

Vera added that best way to fight cancer is through early detection and proper treatment.

He admitted that Filipino males are not keen on undergoing rectal examination because it gives the feeling that "our privacy is being invaded."

"I, myself, have that feeling. Men are not really open to it so we have to strengthen our education campaign about this. Males have to realize that this can save your life," he claimed.

The PCS report showed that early prostate cancer is usually "asymptomatic," meaning it does not manifest symptoms.

"When the symptoms occur, these are usually difficulty in urination and increased frequency of urination, particularly at night... Sometimes, the initial presentation of prostate cancer is that of bone pain due to spread of cancer cell to the bones," the report said.

The PSC added that increasing age is the "most important risk factor" for prostate cancer so older men should undergo rectal examination each year.

Other risk factors include testosterone, heredity, genetics and diet, according to other experts.

The male hormone testosterone does not cause prostate cancer but is known to feed its growth, so some prostate cancer treatments attempt to block the body’s production of this hormone.

A man whose father or older sibling has had prostate cancer is at increased risk. Scientists are looking at certain genes that may be responsible for prostate cancer, and to what degree.

Recent research has shown that a genetic defect may inhibit some men from developing a certain enzyme that helps defend cells vulnerable to carcinogens in the environment.

Some studies found that a diet high in animal fat may increase a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer, while a diet rich in fruits and vegetables — particularly tomato-based products — could lower the risk of prostate cancer.