SEPTEMBER is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to highlighting a disease that affects the majority of men globally. It also remains a significant health concern for men in Guyana.

Prostate cancer, according to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), is the most common cancer found in men in here. While the risks increase with age, all men should be aware of the risks and know when screening should begin.

Dr. Chris Prashad, a Urologist Consultant at the GPHC advised that all men at the age of 45 should start their screening process.

“If a man is at a higher risk, meaning having a family member with prostate cancer, we recommend that they start screening at age 40,” the doctor explained.

He stated that screening for prostate cancer usually involves a man visiting his doctor who will ask him a series of questions and take a thorough history to gauge their risk, including things such as family history, their age and ethnicity.

“Some tests may be ordered, an examination may be performed and all of these are done in order to gauge a man’s risk for prostate cancer. Sometimes, after screening, there can be some abnormalities detected and these abnormalities may prompt the doctor to then recommend a prostate biopsy for the gentleman,” the doctor said.

The prostate biopsy takes about ten minutes and is done under local anesthesia. It involves taking samples, or tissue samples from the prostate, which is later sent to the lab for further analysis to detect whether cancer cells are present or not.

“If a man is then diagnosed with prostate cancer, it’s very important to appreciate the stage of the cancer or how advanced the cancer is. This is usually determined by ordering a series of imaging investigations which can include CT scans, MRIs, and even PET scans, when necessary,” he remarked.

Treatment of prostate cancer, he noted, is highly individualised and is dependent on the stage of the cancer.

According to Dr Prashad, it is dependent on how aggressive the cancer is determined to be and importantly, on the patient preference.

It should be noted that not all treatment options will have the same benefits or side effects, so it is important that doctors have an open discussion with patients to help them understand the different treatment options available for their specific disease and how it can affect them.
Currently, the hospital sees at least 300 patients annually with prostate cancer. Consultant in the Oncology Department, Dr Adel Ning said there are patients who are afraid to start treatment, or the possible side effects.

He stressed that with the correct treatment, and in the correct time, patients can live longer and possibly healthier life.