“Break Taboos Around Prostrate Cancer, Encourage Screening”

Why is prostate cancer awareness important, especially during the month of November?
November is dedicated to raising awareness about men's cancers, particularly prostate cancer, with the aim of dispelling taboos and encouraging early detection. The colour blue, which symbolises masculinity, has become synonymous with the cause, and the blue ribbon has emerged as a powerful symbol of solidarity for men affected by prostate cancer. This campaign seeks to educate, prevent, and support men facing this disease, while also promoting healthier lifestyles, including smoking cessation. The primary objectives of "Blue November" are to encourage men over 50 to consult a urologist, break down taboos surrounding prostate cancer by fostering open discussions about the disease, support research and innovation in treatment, and promote healthy habits, such as prevention and a tobacco-free lifestyle.

What are the most common risk factors for developing prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is influenced by a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and hormonal factors. Genetic mutations on chromosome one have been identified as a contributing factor, which may partly explain the higher incidence of prostate cancer among black men, whereas Asian men tend to have a lower risk. Lifestyle choices, such as a diet high in fat, obesity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption, also increase a man's risk. Furthermore, hormonal factors play a significant role, as prostate cancer is often hormone-dependent, particularly in relation to testosterone. Age is another significant risk factor, with the likelihood of developing prostate cancer increasing substantially with age: men under 40 have a 0.01 per cent risk, those between 40-60 years old have a one per cent risk, and men over 60 face a 12.5 per cent risk.

What are symptoms of prostate cancer and what lifestyle changes can help?
Prostate cancer can manifest through various symptoms, depending on the stage of the disease. Localised prostate cancer may present with urinary symptoms, including dysuria (difficulty urinating), pollakiuria (frequent urination), an urgent need to urinate, urinary retention, and haematuria (blood in the urine). In advanced cases, prostate cancer can cause more generalised symptoms, such as weight loss, loss of appetite, anaemia, bone pain (with or without pathological fractures), spinal cord or nerve compression, and swelling of the lower limbs. To reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer, men are advised to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet...