Movember: Prostate Cancer

As we enter the official month of Movember, it’s a fitting time to highlight one of the most critical issues affecting men’s health around the globe today: prostate cancer. Throughout November, men around the world grow moustaches to raise awareness of leading men’s health concerns, with prostate cancer being one of Movember UK’s three key focuses (the others being testicular cancer and men’s mental health). Today, we’re focusing on prostate cancer, exploring what prostate cancer is, the signs and symptoms you should be on the lookout for, and how you can lower your risk level.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer affecting men, with the latest statistics revealing that one man dies from the disease every 45 minutes in the UK alone. What’s more, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men worldwide.

Prostate cancer develops when cells in the prostate gland grow uncontrollably. The prostate, a small walnut-sized gland situated in the male pelvis, lies between the penis and bladder, surrounding the urethra. Its primary role is to produce and store fluid that forms part of semen while also aiding in bladder control.

This type of cancer typically develops slowly, which means it may go undiagnosed for many years before causing noticeable symptoms. Raising awareness about early detection and regular check-ups is crucial to improving the outcomes of those who experience prostate cancer.

The exact causes of prostate cancer are still unknown, but research has shown links to genetics and lifestyle factors. Some prostate cancers grow very slowly and may not cause noticeable issues, often requiring no treatment. However, other types of prostate cancer can be more aggressive, proliferating and spreading to different parts of the body, leading to more serious complications.

When prostate cancer is confined to the prostate (known as localised prostate cancer), it typically does not cause symptoms. People often only realise something is wrong once the prostate has swelled enough to press against the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the bladder), leading to symptoms such as:

If you are suspected of having prostate cancer, your doctor may do several different types of tests to diagnose the condition. These include blood tests, such as the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, a physical examination of your prostate, and/or an MRI scan.

For many men diagnosed with prostate cancer, immediate treatment may not be necessary. If your cancer is at an early stage or not causing symptoms, your doctor may recommend “active surveillance.” This is often confused with “watchful waiting,” but while both aim to avoid unnecessary treatment, the approach behind them differs.

Active Surveillance:

Watchful waiting:

If detected at an early stage, some prostate cancer cases can be cured.

In some cases, prostate cancer can be eliminated via surgical removal of the prostate or radiotherapy. The surgery, known as a radical prostatectomy, involves removing the entire prostate and, like any operation, carries some risks. Radiotherapy, on the other hand, uses radiation to target and destroy cancer cells. This form of treatment can also slow the progression of cancer that has spread beyond the prostate and relieve any symptoms.

In some cases, prostate cancer may only be diagnosed at a more advanced stage once it has spread outside the prostate. If the cancer has progressed to the point where treatment cannot cure it entirely, treatment focuses on prolonging life and managing symptoms to help the affected person stay comfortable.

As with all treatments, there is a risk of side effects. Many men may experience erectile dysfunction and urinary issues, such as increased frequency of urination. Because of these potential side effects, some men choose to delay treatment until there is a risk of the cancer spreading.

Reducing Your Risk of Developing Prostate Cancer

All men can adopt preventative measures and healthy lifestyle habits that will help reduce their prostate cancer risk level. These healthy lifestyle measures include maintaining a balanced diet, getting at least 150 minutes of exercise per week, aiming for 7-8 hours of quality sleep per night, looking after their gut health, and maintaining adequate vitamin D levels. Numerous studies have shown that obese men face a higher risk of dying from prostate cancer, are more likely to develop aggressive forms of the disease, and are more prone to cancer recurrence after treatment, making lifestyle and weight a significant factor in the fight against prostate cancer.

One cancer prevention study found that men with a body mass index (BMI) of over 35 were 34% more likely to die from prostate cancer compared to men with a BMI under 25 (within the healthy weight range). Furthermore, being overweight is linked to many other serious health conditions, including cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Therefore, by addressing weight issues, men can significantly reduce their risk of prostate cancer and other related health complications.

Research has shown a high rate of prostate cancer deaths in regions where high-fat diets are common, such as North America and parts of Western Europe. In contrast, countries with a generally much lower fat intake, including those on the Pacific Rim, tend to have lower prostate cancer mortality rates. Notably, Japan, the population of which has traditionally eaten lower-fat diets, has seen an increase in aggressive prostate cancer cases following the recent introduction of more Western-style foods.

Several dietary nutrients may help reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer, many of which you can find in everyday foods that contribute towards a balanced diet. Carotenoids, for example, are antioxidants found in various fruits and vegetables. Lycopene, the most effective carotenoid, is especially abundant in the prostate and is found in watermelon and tomato-based products. Interestingly, cooked tomatoes are more beneficial than raw ones in this regard.

Additionally, vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts contain high levels of sulforaphane, which has strong anti-cancer properties. These nutrients can stimulate the production of enzymes that protect cells from damage and may even help slow the spread of cancer.

Furthermore, soy is a rich source of the isoflavone genistein, which influences the production of androgens and oestrogens—hormones that play a significant role in the development and progression of prostate cancer. Studies on isoflavones in animal populations suggest they may have a beneficial effect in preventing prostate cancer and reducing its growth rate.

Polyphenols, another group of compounds, can be found in varying amounts in fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs, and tea. Green tea, in particular, is notable for its high polyphenol content and has been shown in both animal and epidemiological studies to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

In Summary

Movember is a crucial time to remember just how critical the fight is against prostate cancer, as well as testicular cancer and mental ill-health amongst men. Through its campaigns, Movember highlights the importance of regular screenings, awareness, and early detection, all of which are essential for significantly improving treatment outcomes and survival rates.

If you’re worried about any of the information presented in this article or are concerned you may have the symptoms of prostate cancer, please contact your GP as soon as you can.