The war on prostate cancer begins with proper education
by MICHAEL D. BAÑOS
Cagayan De Oro City — Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy among males worldwide although available statistics rank it third among the top causes of morbidity among males in the country.
Despite this, the Philippine Urological Association said it is highly curable in its early stages but ignorance about the disease and the lack of hard information in the medical community are two biggest constraints to bringing it further down the list.
To address this problem, the group spearheaded a nationwide free consultation using digital rectal examination two weeks ago to gather hard data on the exact extent of its morbidity and mortality, as well as encourage males 45 years and above to undergo the free examination.
During the examination, a doctor inserts a gloved finger into the patient’s rectum and feels the prostate gland through the rectal wall to check for bumps or abnormal areas. These tests can help doctors detect prostate cancer in men who have no symptoms of the disease.
“This is a continuing process of data collection since it is not being undertaken by the government and the lack of hard information leads a lot of high risk cases to take a cavalier attitude towards diagnosing and treating the disease,” said Dr. Harry Longno, a member of the Philippine Urological Association Prostate Health Committee, which has recently been tasked to research and collate data for the purpose of adopting a national health protocol regarding the disease.
“This is a big step forward to consolidate all efforts in one organization,” Dr. Longno told reporters. “Next, we have to make all concerned agree to a national protocol, especially legal issues, and cooperate with basic record keeping which has to be maintained regularly if we are to have any consistency in our efforts to address it.”
He related the how four cases which were identified as high risk in last year’s free screening submitted fictitious names and addresses which constrained them from following up with further tests and medication.
Dr. Raul Winston Anbutan said the association advises men to start yearly screening at age 45.
“Your doctor will consider several risk factors when recommending screening,” Dr. Anbutan said. “Age is the most common risk factor, with over 70% of prostate cancer cases occurring in men age 65 and above.”
“Men who have a father or brother with prostate cancer have a greater risk of developing prostate cancer,” said Dr. Longno. “There is such a thing as a prostate cancer family syndrome.”
Afro-American men reportedly have the highest rate of prostate cancer, with Asians and Native Americans having the lowest. A diet high in fat, especially animal fat, could increase the risk of prostate cancer.
“The cost of further tests and treatment may also be another constraint, which prevents high risk cases from seeking further treatment,” said Dr. Emmanuel Sebostion. “A Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test normally costs from P1,200 to P1,900 in Cagayan de Oro and tablets for treatment cost around P80 each.”
The cost is one of the main reasons why the doctors usually recommend surgery for indigent patients since it costs lesser in the long run.
“We also have the option to recommend no medication at all if the case is not bothersome,” said Dr. Rommel B. Vallejos. “However, in moderate and bothersome cases, treatment may have to be undertaken for the remainder of the patient’s life.”
Source: Business World
