Prostate Cancer is one of the five top cancers found in South African men. It is a slow-growing cancer, so individuals who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer are in no rush to make any decisions. In most cases, it is found that the cancer has been growing for about 10-15 years before noticing any real life-threatening side effects.
Researchers have found that the average age of the men with “High Grade/Late Stage” Cancer has decreased from 71 to 63. This does not mean that men younger than 63 aren’t at risk of prostate cancer. Dr Francois Duvengage actually emphasised that it is critical for men to get a prostate test annually after the age of 40.
What are the symptoms of Prostate Cancer?
Although many men show no side effects of Prostate Cancer, these are some side effects some men have experienced:
- Blood in urine or Semen
- Urinary problems, e.g. difficulty urinating, stopping and starting during urination, constant need to urinate and weak urine stream.
- Difficulty with obtaining an erection.
- Pain in hips, pelvis, spine or upper legs.
What are the treatment options?
There are many different types of treatments available for Prostate Cancer. It also depends on what stage of cancer it is in order to determine the treatment. It is, therefore, important to make sure you ask your doctor about which treatment will be best for you.
List of Treatments:
Surgery:
• Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy (RRP) • Robotic Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy (RALP)
Radiation Therapy:
• External Beam Radiation • Prostate Seed Brachytherapy • High Dose Rate Radiation
Other Prostate Cancer Treatments
• Cryotherapy • HIFU • Chemotherapy • ADT or Hormone Therapy
If you want to know details on what these treatments are in detail, please follow the link here and chat with your doctor about it.
Our Female Cancer Cover will assist you by paying out a pre-determined lump sum of money upon confirmed diagnosis of certain female cancers.
