November is the month to raise awareness on Men’s health. Campaigns on awareness about men’s health related issues are running around the globe. An important topic concerned is prostate cancer! At Urban Care we like to share quality information with our patients – the news this month are therefore all related to “Movember“.

Prostate is an exocrine gland situated in men’s pelvic floor. It secretes fluid that nourishes and transports sperm during ejaculation. It also produces prostate specific antigen (PSA), a protein that helps semen retain its liquid state. Lastly it helps to control urine flow during micturation.

What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. Cancer is the irregular and abnormal cellular growth that changes the prostate – a small walnut-shaped gland in men that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. Early detection is important. When the cancer is confined to the prostate gland (in its early stage), chances for a successful treatment are high. That is the reason why routine screenings for some men are recommended. You should speak with your medical doctor about the advantages and disadvantages of the variable screening options in order to make your informed decision.

Signs and symptoms

Initially, the growth of the prostate does not cause any significant changes or noticeable signs. However as the growth increases it can cause some of the following symptoms:

• Difficulty urinating
• Pelvic Or Back pain
• Blood in urine or semen
• Erectile dysfunction

Those symptoms can also be the sign of another condition – Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. It is important to see a medical doctor if you notice any of the above symptoms and signs.

What Can YOU Do Now?

Beating prostate cancer is a communal goal. There are various risk factors such as older age, a family history of the disease, ethnicity and obesity. Below are ways to reduce the modifiable risks.

• Eat Healthy: Food with high amounts of saturated fats should be avoided, recommended are fruits, vegetables, unsaturated fats (as in olive oil, avocado, fatty fish) and whole grains. Fruits and vegetables contain many vitamins and nutrients that can contribute to your health. Whether you can prevent prostate cancer through diet has yet to be conclusively proven. But eating a healthy diet with a variety of fruits and vegetables can improve your overall health, control your weight and minimize the obesity risk.
• Stay Fit: Exercise helps you maintain your weight and improves your mood. There is some evidence that men who don’t exercise have a higher PSA level (which has been linked to increased prostate cancer risk), while men who exercise may have a lower risk of prostate cancer. It is recommended to include half an hour of moderate exercise at least 5 days a week. That could be as little as a daily brisk walk. If you are new to exercise, start slow and work your way up to more exercise time each day.

Health concerns everyone. This month is especially dedicated to men’s health, but we encourage all our patients – men, women, children – to take action. Regular check-ups according to your age group are important in combination with healthy lifestyle choices. Our medical doctor Jenny Bouraima is dedicated to assist you with adequate recommendations.