AS families across Eswatini celebrate Father’s Day and honour the important role fathers play in our homes and communities, health professionals are encouraging men to take an equally important step: prioritising their health through regular prostate cancer screening and early medical check-ups.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men worldwide and is increasingly being diagnosed in Eswatini. The disease occurs in the prostate gland, a small organ located below the bladder that is part of the male reproductive system. While prostate cancer often develops slowly, some forms can be aggressive and life-threatening if not detected and treated early.
WHY MEN SHOULD PAY ATTENTION
Many men with early-stage prostate cancer experience no symptoms at all. As a result, the disease is often discovered only after it has progressed to an advanced stage, making treatment more difficult.
Possible symptoms of prostate cancer may include:
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Difficulty initiating urination (hesitancy) or emptying the bladder
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Frequent or urgent urination, especially at night
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Weak or interrupted urine flow
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Blood in the urine
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Pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis
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Unexplained weight loss in advanced cases
However, these symptoms may also be caused by non-cancerous conditions, especially the age-related benign enlargement of the prostate gland, called BPH. Men experiencing any of these signs should seek medical evaluation promptly.
The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) can give some idea of the severity of lower urinary tract symptoms, primarily in BPH, in a standardised manner.
WHO IS AT RISK?
Several factors can increase the risk of developing prostate cancer:
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Age above 50
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Black race (African ancestry)
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Family history of prostate cancer
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Obesity and unhealthy lifestyle habits
Because African men have a higher risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer, awareness and regular screening are particularly important.
EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES
Health experts recommend that men aged 50 and older should discuss prostate cancer screening with their healthcare providers. Men with a family history of prostate cancer may need to begin screening earlier than 50.
Prostate cancer screening services are available in both public and private health centres and hospitals throughout Eswatini, making it easier for men to access early detection services close to their communities.
Screening may include:
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A Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test
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A clinical examination performed by a healthcare professional
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Additional diagnostic tests such as ultrasound, MRI, or biopsy when necessary
As PSA tests can produce false-negative or false-positive results, findings and subsequent plans should be discussed with an experienced healthcare provider.
When prostate cancer is detected early, treatment options are more effective and survival rates are significantly improved.
MANAGEMENT OPTIONS FOR PROSTATE CANCER
The treatment of prostate cancer depends on the stage of the disease, risk stratification, the patient’s age, overall health and individual preferences.
Doctors may recommend regular monitoring through PSA testing, examinations and imaging studies to ensure the cancer is not progressing.
WATCHFUL WAITING
The patient is tasked with monitoring how they feel and notifying their healthcare provider if they experience red-flag symptoms.
SURGERY
Surgery to remove the prostate gland, known as a radical prostatectomy, may be recommended when the cancer is confined to the prostate and can potentially be cured.
However, several factors are taken into consideration. The choice between surgery and radiotherapy in early stages could be determined by fine details and patient preference, while the two modalities could have comparable outcomes in some cases.
RADIATION THERAPY
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells and may be used as a primary treatment or after surgery.
There are different modalities of radiotherapy, including external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy (low-dose rate or high-dose rate), with continually evolving techniques and accuracy of radiation delivery.
Radiotherapy is often used in combination with hormone therapy.
HORMONE THERAPY
Prostate cancer cells often depend on male hormones (androgens), such as testosterone, to grow.
Hormone therapy helps reduce hormone levels and can slow or stop cancer growth, particularly in advanced disease.
Hormone therapy can be achieved through medication or surgical removal of the testicles.
CHEMOTHERAPY
For advanced or metastatic prostate cancer, chemotherapy may be used to control the disease, relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
PALLIATIVE AND SUPPORTIVE CARE
For patients with advanced cancer, pain management, psychological support, nutritional care and symptom control are essential components of comprehensive cancer care.
A MESSAGE TO MEN AND THEIR FAMILIES
The good news is that prostate cancer is highly treatable when detected early.
Men should not ignore symptoms or delay seeking medical advice.
Families can play a vital role by encouraging men and older male relatives to attend regular health check-ups and cancer screening services.
This Father’s Day, let us celebrate the fathers, grandfathers, brothers and sons who contribute so much to our families and communities. One of the greatest gifts a man can give his loved ones is to take care of his health.
Healthy Fathers, Strong Families, Stronger Communities.
Early Detection. Early Treatment. Better Outcomes.
