Annual physical examination recommended for males over 50

Complete cure possible for localised prostate gland cancer

“There is strong likelihood of complete cure with either surgery or radiation therapy for cancer found to be localised to the prostate gland,” stated Dr Farhat Abbas, Associate Professor of Urology at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) while speaking at a programme on diseases of the prostrate gland held in Hyderabad.

In his presentation titled ‘Prostate Cancer' he recommended that men over 50 undergo annual physical examination of the prostate gland called digital rectal examination (DRE) and PSA blood test to detect the disease at an early stage. All middle aged and elderly men with obstructive or irritative urinary symptoms should have a detailed evaluation for the cause of their symptoms. Though rarely seen in men under 50, risk of the disease gets higher with increasing age.

He advised against high intake of animal fat and red meat and recommended intake of vitamin E, as well as yellow-coloured fruits, green leafy vegetables and tomato products, all of which may have a protective role.

Dr Abbas said that it is best that prostate cancer be diagnosed at an early stage, when potentially curative therapy can be employed. Modern treatments are now available in Pakistan and are generally well tolerated with low side effects.

Dr Raziuddin Biyabani, Consultant Urologist and Head of Urology section at AKUH said that common benign disorders of the prostate gland include Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), aging process caused by non-cancerous enlargement of prostate gland, and Prostatitis, which is infection or inflammation of the gland.

A proper diagnosis is essential, and a ‘PSA' test helps in detecting any cancer of the prostate. Dr Biyabani said that not all patients with enlarged prostate gland require surgery.

Prostatitis frequently affects young and middle-aged males and usually produces painful urination and other painful effects. The treatment is usually with antibiotics or pain medications, and supportive therapy.  While the condition may take a long time to settle down these patients are not at higher risk of developing prostate cancer.

As part of its outreach programme and societal commitment to creating awareness of early diagnosis and timely treatment, AKUH has organised over 250 ‘Signs, Symptoms and Care' programmes in Karachi, Hyderabad, Quetta, Nawabshah and UAE, benefiting more than 50,000 people. AKUH's Patient Welfare Programme offers financial assistance to those patients who are unable to afford the medical cost of treatment. Since the inception of this welfare programme in 1986, over PKR 1.6 billion has been disbursed to more than 300,000 needy patients.

For further information, please contact:

• Rasool Sarang, Sr. Media Executive, at 486 3920 or rasool.sarang@aku.edu;  
• Hassaan Akhter, Media Executive, at 486 2927 or hassaan.akhter@aku.edu.