Healthcare | Thursday 14 January, 2016 12:05 pm |

While prostate cancer has a higher chance of being cured  when it is diagnosed early, many patients in the UAE visit their doctor with late-stage symptoms. As part of its participation in the Friends of Cancer Patients’ (FoCP) Shanab campaign, Astellas aims to raise awareness on prostate cancer, particularly the advantage of early detection.

 

Dr. Sawsan Al Madhi, Director General of Friends of Cancer Patients stated: “Shanab initiative stresses on the importance of early detection of prostate and testicular cancer, as it is highly curable if diagnosed at an early stage. By collaborating with governments and private organisations, including health authorities, Shanab aims to spread this message through its awareness campaigns. We believe it is vital that the people of the UAE are conscious of the importance of regular checkups and on visiting the doctor immediately if they spot any abnormalities.”

 

Dr. Al Madhi added that the symptoms of prostate cancer to look out for include lower back or thigh pain, blood in urine or semen, painful urination and impotence.

 

 

Men in this region are too timid to undergo the screening test. It is hoped that through the efforts of entities such as the FoCP, the male population will begin to realise the importance of regular visits to their doctor.

 

Discussing prostate cancer, Dr. Farhad Kheradmand Janahi, Consultant Urological Surgeon at Mediclinic City Hospital said: “Most patients with prostate cancer are asymptomatic. The advanced cases may present with worsening of lower urinary tract symptoms, bone pain or weight loss.”

 

Dr. Janahi added that it is very unusual and uncommon for a man to get prostate cancer below age of 50. Currently there are two main methods of screening prostate cancer, one is a blood test called PSA and the other one is the clinical examination, which is a digital rectal examination. He also emphasized that not all prostate cancer patients need treatment. For this reason, he referred to the American Urological Association guidelines that only men between 55-69 years should test for prostate cancer and those younger than 55 years who have family history of the disease. Deciding to undergo testing is a decision that should be made with one’s doctor after a full discussion.

 

Markus Weber, General Manager Astellas Pharma MENA/SSA commented on Astellas’ sponsorship of the Shanab campaign: “Our main focus at Astellas is the patient. By joining forces with FoCP we hope to bring awareness to the community on the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer, and the importance of early detection. With the Shanab campaign, we aim to facilitate conversation about all aspects of prostate cancer and prostate diseases by educating patients.”

 

For the detection of prostate cancer, it is recommended that men over the age of 55 visit their doctor for a PSA screening on an annual basis. While the PSA screening is not specific to prostate cancer, it can indicate if further tests are required to detect tumours in the body including those in the prostate gland.