Recent ABS data indicates prostate cancer is the 2nd most common cancer to cause death in Aussie males, with around 3700 deaths each year. In the work we do, great importance is placed on educating men and hearing their individual stories around early detection & diagnosis, treatment options, post-surgery & other treatment recovery, and most importantly being a prostate cancer survivor.
However, there is also a much broader and holistic conversation that needs to be had at the same time about this little gland that makes up an important part of our manhood. Because along with prostate cancer there are two other major issues that can affect the prostate:
- Prostate enlargement (BPH: benign prostatic hyperplasia) – the most common prostate disease in men is enlargement of the prostate gland
- Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland that can cause pain)
The prostate gland is an important part of our reproductive system, it is about the size of a walnut (in a young man) and makes the fluid that protects, transports and feeds the sperm produced.
This little gland is shaped like a donut and the tube we pee with (the urethra) passes right through its centre. The problem is that as part of the ageing process the prostate keeps growing, trebling in size over our life, and as the prostate enlarges it can restrict the urethra, inhibiting our ability to urinate properly.
Most of us know that some older men have trouble emptying their bladder. Sometimes this means getting up often during the night and not being able to urinate when they need to, which is a nuisance and can be embarrassing. Something more serious could be happening such as a blockage, which can cause repeated urinary tract infections or result in bladder or kidney problems, or it could be prostate cancer. Unfortunately, the symptoms of several prostate conditions are similar.
As men, we need to act on any prostate issue that is affecting us and find out if it is part of the natural ageing process or something else. If troubled by urination problems, see a doctor (no matter what our age). If the doctor agrees that our symptoms need further investigation, we may need to undergo a few tests.
Diet is important to prostate health, we know that eating about 150 grams of nuts a week and incorporating natural red foods such as beetroot, tomato and watermelon into our diet, helps keep our prostate and the rest of our body in good condition. Regular low to moderate intensity exercise also plays a big role, a brisk 30min walk can not only make us feel great but can help reduce the risk of prostate problems. Exercises that strengthen our pelvic floor (yes, we do have one!) are not only important for dealing with issues surrounding our prostate health, but also the bowel, bladder and even our sexual function.
By The Regional Men’s Health Initiative
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