Movember 2017 -help prevent young men dying too young!
Are you prostate awareness aware?
Men are facing a health crisis that isn’t being talked about. They are dying too young, before their time. Movember, being held during the month of November is about raising funds and awareness for men’s health. And growing a Mo….
Inspired by the Mo's ability to generate a conversation, the Movember Foundation was established with funds raised going towards the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA). From humble beginnings in Australia in 2003, the Movember movement has grown to be a truly global one, inspiring support from over 5 million Mo Bros and Mo Sistas around the world.
Movember's success can largely be attributed to the strength of the global community. Regardless of the city in which we live, we're part of something bigger, united by a commitment to help change the face of men’s health.
To donate click here
What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian men. It is important to know the facts and take action early.
Prostate cancer occurs when abnormal cells develop in the prostate. These abnormal cells can continue to multiply in an uncontrolled way and sometimes spread outside the prostate into nearby or distant parts of the body.
Prostate cancer is generally a slow growing disease and majority of men with low grade prostate cancer live for many years without symptoms and without it spreading and becoming life-threatening. However, high grade disease does spread quickly and can be lethal.
Early detection is key!
The difference between early detection and late detection can be life and death. When detected early, prostate cancer survival rates are better than 98%. Find it late, and those survival rates drop below 26%.
The facts about prostate cancer
Only men have a prostate gland. The prostate gland is usually the size and shape of a walnut and grows bigger as you get older. It sits underneath the bladder and surrounds the urethra, which is the tube men urinate and ejaculate through. Its main job is to help make semen – the fluid that carries sperm.
Prostate cancer occurs when some of the cells in the prostate reproduce far more rapidly than normal, resulting in a tumour. Prostate cancer often grows slowly to start with and may never cause any problems. But some men have prostate cancer that is more likely to spread. These prostate cancer cells, if left untreated, may spread from the prostate and invade distant parts of the body, particularly the lymph nodes and bones, producing secondary tumours in a process known as metastasis.
Detecting prostate cancer
Not everyone experiences symptoms of prostate cancer. Many times, signs of prostate cancer are first detected by a doctor during a routine check-up.
Some men, however, will experience changes in urinary or sexual function that might indicate the presence of prostate cancer.
Signs and symptoms
A need to urinate frequently, especially at night
Difficulty starting urination or holding back urine
Weak or interrupted flow of urine
Painful or burning urination
Difficulty in having an erection
Painful ejaculation
Blood in urine or semen
Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs
If you or someone you love is experiencing any of the above symptoms it is important to see your doctor, it’s always better to be safe than sorry..
Reducing The Risk of Developing Prostate Cancer
There is no evidence that the following protective factors can stop prostate cancer from developing, but they can improve your overall health and possibly reduce the risk of prostate cancer:
Diet: Eat meals that are nutritious. Refer to the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating. What is good for the heart is good for the prostate.
Physical activity/exercise: There is some evidence to show that physical activity and regular exercise can be protective factors for cancer. Try to exercise at least 30 minutes of a day.
For more information on men's health services click here
Our GPs are here to help, if you have any concerns about men’s health please book an appointment today at our practice.
Resources:
