Healthy living
Body matters
Prostate cancer awareness
Men who are diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer have significantly better chances of survival if they have surgery to remove the prostate gland altogether, says a US study.
Researchers at New York Presbyterian Hospital carried out a study involving 453 men with a type of prostate cancer that had the potential to spread rapidly. One group (44%) were just asked to adopt healthy lifestyles while they were monitored closely.
A second group (30%) received radiation therapy and the third (26%) underwent a radical prostatectomy, a surgical procedure involving the complete removal of the prostate gland.
The team found that those who underwent the surgery were much less likely to die from the cancer than those who had no treatment or radiation therapy. When deaths due specifically to prostate cancer were considered, average survival was 7.8 years for conservative therapy and more than 14 years for radical prostatectomy. In their report, published in the Journal of Urology, the researchers concluded that "even high-grade cancers are potentially curable."
Ingrid Spickett, Support and Information Nurse at The Prostate Cancer Charity said: "This American study took place over an 18-year period and started in 1980. Since the study began, treatment regimes have improved and changed world-wide. The vast majority of men who are diagnosed with high risk aggressive localised prostate cancer currently would be recommended to have a radical treatment, rather than conservative management, as the results of this study confirms."
Spickett is keen to point out that, "This should not be confused with a form of treatment offered to UK men who have a low-grade, non-aggressive prostate cancer known as "active surveillance". This involves careful monitoring of their cancer to ensure that significant changes are picked up early and a radical treatment offered if need be."
Every year nearly 32,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in the United Kingdom and 10,000 men die from it. Prostate cancer is now the most common cancer diagnosed in men in the UK. It normally affects men over the age of 65. In most cases the cancer is slow growing and there may be no symptoms for some years. No one really knows why some men get the disease but there are certain risk factors including a family history.
Later stage symptoms may include
<li>Weak urinary stream
- Inability to urinate
- Blood in the urine
- Interruption of urinary stream (stopping and starting)
- Frequent urination (especially at night)
- Pain or burning during urination
Currently there is no national screening programme in the UK. However, if you have concerns talk them through with your GP who may recommend that you have a PSA test (Prostate Specific Antigen). This is not a test for cancer but can show if there is a problem with the prostate.
Information on this site is for interest only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should consult your own doctor about any specific health concerns.