Prostate Cancer Facts:

• Prostate cancer is the 4^th most common cancer for men.
• In 2008, the estimated incidence rate was 10.1 per 100,000 Filipinos.
• The normal prostate gland is the size of a walnut (<30g). The gland usually grows larger when aging.

Risk and Causes

• Age. More than 80% of prostate cancers are diagnosed in men older than 65 years of age.
• Family History. History of Prostate Cancer in the family specially first-degree have increased risk of developing prostate cancer.
• Diet. A diet high in fat has been associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. On the other hand, diet rich in lycopenes which are derived from cooked tomatoes have been shown to offer some protective effects
• STD. Sexually transmitted infections as one of the causative factors for prostate cancer. *No definitive supporting data yet
• Obesity. Obesity leads to an increased risk of having more aggressive, larger prostate cancer. *No definitive supporting data yet

Symptoms and Screenings

• Early prostate cancer has no symptom at all. 
• Suspicion can be raised with an abnormal blood test known as the Prostate Specific antigen (PSA)
• Most patients in Asian countries used to be diagnosed when the prostate cancer is already on the late stage commonly at stage 3 and stage 4 .
• Having blood in urine
• Experiencing Urinary Tract Infection 
• Having Painful Ejaculation
• Inability to have an erection.

Advanced Prostate Cancer Symptoms

• Bone pains, especially at the back
• Paralysis
• Inability to urinate
• Lower extremity edema or swelling
• Loss of weight and appetite, fatigue, nausea, or vomiting

Annual Screening with digital rectal exam (DRE) and PSA is recommended by the Philippine Urological Association.

Notable People who are Prostate Cancer Survivors

Robert De Niro - “the condition was detected at an early stage because of regular checkups, a result of his proactive personal healthcare program,”

Colin Powell -  Collin Powell is the former Secretary of State of the U.S.A. He underwent surgery to remove his prostate cancer.

Roger Moore - The longest Living James bond actor- Roger moor underwent a radical prostatectomy (a full removal of his prostate gland)

Kinds of Treatment

Early Prostate Cancer

1. Radiation therapy
Types :

• External beam radiation - The damaged cancer cells are subjected to high-energy rays to stop them from growing and dividing. There is an external source of energy generated outside the body of the patient. 
• Brachytherapy -  The radiation source are from small pellets implanted into the prostate for more concentrated delivery of energy

2. Cryotherapy
This uses a method of localized freezing temperatures up to negative 40^oC to kill the cancer cells while sparing the surrounding normal structures to deaden an irritated nerve and serves as pain treatment . 

3. Radical prostatectomy
Surgical removal of the entire cancerous prostate gland.  It’s the most time honored method of treating prostate cancer.  Can be performed by the traditional open, laparoscopic and robotic assisted approach.  70% of radical prostatectomy surgeries in the U.S. are performed using the of the Da Vinci robotic system.

Advanced Prostate Cancer

1. Hormonal therapy - Prostate cancer needs testosterone stimulation for its growth.  This strategy blocks off the source of hormones to the cancerous prostate gland and thus slow down its growth but not entirely cure it.

2. Chemotherapy-  Usually utilized as a last resort in cases of resistance to hormonal therapy

Sources: 
www.dost.gov.ph, www.medicinet.com, www.everydayhealth.com, www.medicinet.com, www.emedicinehealth.com, dost.gov.ph, www.gov.ph,