Hi all:
This is not a topic I tend to talk about usually. I’m a doctor, a psychiatrist to be more precise, but I started the blog to talk about writing and miscellaneous topics, rather than to provide medical advice (there are many sites that offer that and of course, you should always be guided by your doctor and health professionals).
Due to personal circumstances I’ve been thinking about prostate cancer. My Dad was diagnosed with stage 4 of prostate cancer in November 2013 (it had already spread to the bones by the time it was diagnosed). He’d never presented with any localised symptoms at prostate level (no urinary symptoms) and other symptoms were very unspecific aches and pains…I remember the class when the urology professor discussed that topic. ‘In the autumn of life when everything decays and shrinks, in men there is an organ that grows and flowers, the prostate’. And his advice was that any men over 50 should be checked. Although at the time tests were quite invasive, these days blood tests (PSA), although not 100%, can raise a high suspicion.
Video of symptoms:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwdWMfhH8PU
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. These symptoms include:
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
You should consult with your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms above.
Because these symptoms can also indicate the presence of other diseases or disorders, such as BPH (Benign Prostate Hypertrophy) or prostatitis, men will undergo a thorough work-up to determine the underlying cause. (http://www.pcf.org/site/c.leJRIROrEpH/b.5802031/k.6CE8/Prostate_Cancer_Symptoms.htm)
Ask, pester, don’t just let it go or think it’s nothing. It’s better if the doctors tell you that. There are lots of treatments and it’s always best to put your minds at rest.
I leave you a few websites with plenty of information, but check with your doctor and health professionals:
http://www.pcf.org/site/c.leJRIROrEpH/b.5699537/k.BEF4/Home.htm
http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type/prostate-cancer/about/the-prostate
And a reader of the original post suggested I share this post with you about the effects of chemotherapy (my father experimented quite a few of them):
Most people will recover fully from those effects, but it is worth being fully informed, prepared, and asking questions in case of doubt.
Here is the link to the above post if you want to check that useful resource too:
http://www.healthline.com/health/cancer/effects-on-body
Of course, check information about other types of cancer and be aware.
Thanks for reading, and if you’ve found it interesting, please share, comment, like and CLICK! And do check!
If you’re wondering about my Dad, he’s had hormonal treatment, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, many complications and things haven’t gone too well. So please, do take care.
60 replies on “Gentlemen, are you paying attention to your prostates?”
Great post and timely for my age. Sorry to hear about your father.
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Thanks so much. Yes. His illness has turned out to be very aggressive. It is very important to have check-ups and it should be standard.
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Olga, sending good thoughts… and lots of hugs. 🙂
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Thanks Teagan. I hope Tuesday is hassle free for you.
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Good advice Olga. The PSA test should be routine as well as a digital exam once per year. Hope your dad’s battle goes in his favor.
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Thanks John. I agree and I imagine it’s only a matter of time before it becomes routine. The result can be slightly confusing at times but it’s a good indication. My Dad is now paralised from the waist down and seems to be deteriorating fast. We just hope the pain is manageable.
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I am so sorry about your dad. I am fortunate in that my doctors have a number of years of blood work and spotted an abnormality very quickly. I’m just finishing the hormone and radiation protocol (7 more days of radiation). No sign of bone involvement (yet) and we will keep a close watch. I will keep your dad in my prayers.
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Thanks John. I’ll keep you in my thoughts too. And I hope the news are good. There are so many effective treatments, especially when caught early.
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Reblogged this on theowlladyblog.
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Thanks Viv.
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Thanks so much Viv!
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I’m so sorry to hear about your Dad Olga. That news just makes it all the more important that we follow the advice you’ve taken the time to offer, which must hurt considerably. Thank you.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
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Thanks David. I’ve been thinking about it for a while but although it is a fairly personal thing I thought it would be good if it helped anybody, as unfortunately my Dad’s illness is at a stage where very little can be done.
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I find a lot of younger men have little idea on this subject. Good advice, Olga.
I am sorry to learn of your father’s struggle. Cancer is such a difficult journey for both the patient and their family.
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Thanks Sue. Very true. It’s a shame because both testicular and prostate cancer can be checked easily enough. Men aren’t always very good at check-ups. The message to women about breast cancer seems to have caught on a bit more and the programmes are very well established.
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As with the cervical cancer, most women know what to do and what to expect from the health checks. The message, as you say, seems less prominent for men.
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Maybe making women more aware of it will help with those nearest and dearest.
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That’s a very good point, Olga.
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Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
You may find this a different topic to start the day off but it is not just aimed at men but to their partners too. Olga’s father has prostate cancer and my father did too. It is estimated that 18 million men a year around the world put off going to the doctor with worrying symptoms – until it is too late. Olga is a doctor and her post is a must read.
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Thanks Sally. And thanks for the reblog. Suspicion is always very important and you’re right about partners and family’s role. Sorry to hear about your Dad’s experience. Anything we can do to spread the word is important.
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It is a double edged sword – in the papers in the UK it is putting the blame on the chaos in the NHS on people with trivial symptoms flooding the emergency rooms because they cannot get into see their doctors. Faced with a three week wait many people simply give up and don’t bother to go at all. I use a super walk in clinic at home – you might have to wait a couple of hours but you are seen. I think we need to amalgamate the GP clinics into 24/7 super clinics with X-ray and test facilities and only use the Emergency Rooms for life threatening cases… anyway great article and very important message. This time with your father is precious.. I know that mine with my father was despite the illness. Hugs.
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Thanks Sally. I read yesterday in one of the doctors newsletters that in the UK they are going to trial (do a pilot study) people directly referring themselves for test or specialists visits if they suspected cancer. There was plenty of worry about that as that could result in flooding (and many unnecessary tests, that of course, depending on the tests come at a cost, not only monetary, but also radiation, and its associated risks). I’m not sure what the answer is for the NHS although the direction things are taking now doesn’t seem very productive. I agree with you that there are problems with A&E use as it becomes the default position when everything else seems to be slow and unsatisfactory. Thanks for the personal comments.
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Good morning Olga….so sorry to hear about you Father.
Thank you for this information – I will pass it onto my son who is 48 – still young but a good time to begin being tested.
One of my dearest friends in the States, died of this disease when he was in his early forties. I know that’s more unusual, but it does point out the need for men to be checked.
Janet. x
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Thanks Janet. Yes, there are always exceptions to the rule and it is never too early to pay heed. Do have a lovely week.
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Olga, I’m so sorry to hear about your Pa. I know very little about prostrate cancer so your post has been an eye-opener. Thank you for sharing it with us. Lottie
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Thanks so much Lottie. I think people hear about it but there isn’t always the amount of discussion about it there should be unless somebody has had a scare…
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It is very good advice about a subject that I am fortunately well read-up on. In England, it is often referred to as ‘the silent killer’, as the symptoms are normally presented when it has already taken hold. It often makes me think of Frank Zappa, who died from this condition aged only 52. I hope that your father can be helped in some way, and is not suffering.
Best wishes from Norfolk. Pete.
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Thanks Pete. I’m pleased to hear you’re well informed. Although I know people with prostate cancer and bone metastases can live a long time with a pretty good quality of life, in my Dad’s case he’s had many complications. The suffering is the main worry we have.
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So sorry to hear about your father. Early detection is key. ❤ ❤ Good advice.
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Thanks Tess. You’re absolutely right.
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We can only hope early detection is possible.
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Treatments are also becoming very effective, but not always. Research and good checks will help.
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Olga, I am so sorry to read of your dear father. Thank you for writing of this most important topic. You will save lives and help many others through your words. God bless you and your father, dear Olga. Love and prayers to both of you.
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Thanks so much Kim. You’re very kind. It’s worth a try at least. Be well.
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Olga, thanks for posting something that most men hate talking about and would never dream of talking about to each other.
I’m sorry to hear about your dad and my thoughts are with you and your family.
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Thanks Hugh. I think it’s time men take ownership of it and make a fuss. I’m sure all the women around will be happy to help. Thanks for the kind thoughts. Take lots of care.
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Thank you for the information…just had a doctor’s appointment – all seems okay.
So very sorry to hear of your father’s condition. Bless him and bless you and your family.
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Thanks Billy Ray. Happy to hear some people are fully aware of it. And thank you for caring.
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This is such an important topic so I applaud you for writing about it. I’m so sorry that your father is suffering. My mother’s cousin, a relation I was immensely fond of, died of prostate cancer a few years ago.
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Thanks Sara. I’ve been thinking about it for a while but it is far too important to put off. A little time can make a big difference. I’m sorry to hear about your mother’s cousin. Let’s hope in the future we beat this…
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Great info Olga. My Ron had stage 4 bladder cancer and it had spread to his prostate. That was over11 years ago. He had the bladder removed and a new one made (neo-bladder) from a section of intestines. The Doctors hooked it all back up and it works fairly well. He must cath once a day. The prostate is gone too and he is cancer free. I am just thankful that we were not afraid to be as radical as we were. Ron is 10 years older than I am. He was 55 at the time. Many men worry about their sexuality and let that rule them. I am blessed to have my wonderful husband with me. Thanks for posting such great info. So sorry to hear about your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you. ❤
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Thanks Colleen. I’m pleased to hear your husband is doing well after what sounds like a fairly radical procedure. But it was all worth it. I suspect you’re right about concerns men might have and I think partners can be of support and help. Thanks for your kindness and the best to you both.
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Sending strength your way. 💖
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Thank you. ♥
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Thanks for the reminder, Olga. ❤
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Thanks to you Christoph. It’s always worth spreading the word. Take care.
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I have to admit…I did a double take when I pulled your blog up 🙂 Great advice!! I also wanted to let you know, I nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award. You can see it on my blog at https://thewallgalleryblog.wordpress.com with the instructions. This award is any easy one to follow. I have really enjoyed your blog and hope you accept the challenge. Thanks and keep up the great work!! Kirt Tisdale
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Thanks Kirt. I love your blog too, although recently due to my Dad’s illness and everything else don’t seem to find much time for anything. Thanks for the nomination. I’ve a blog free award but I’ll visit the post to thank you.
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This is such an important topic for everyone. As a woman, I care about my man’s health! My former father-in-law is dying of prostate cancer that they caught and treated early. He lived with it for maybe 15 years, but during the last 3 years it spread to other parts of his body.
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You’re right. My father’s illness developed very quickly. Unfortunately he’s passed away this afternoon.
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My condolences to you and your family. I sense my son’s grandfather will pass away fairly soon, too.
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Thanks Lorna. I hope it’s peaceful…
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The information is needed. Men die because they are not tested. Outstanding information.
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Thanks for the comment. If anybody reads it and it makes them think it will be a great result. Thanks for spreading the word.
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Men need reminders too and you are welcome.
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Thanks.
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[…] some of you might remember, my post last Tuesday was about prostate cancer and trying to impress on everybody (men and their partners, loved ones) […]
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Reblogged this on Barrow Blogs: and commented:
We’ve had a week looking at women’s health issues – this is one for the men – especially those who will not ‘go to the doctors’
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Thank you, Olga, for this important information. I shared it with my husband. So sorry about your dad. May God bless him.
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Thanks, Janice. Very important to keep in mind.
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