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Arena Magazine 2005 Issue 2 |
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Confronting male cancers
Men are notoriously reluctant to discuss their private medical problems and it’s an attitude which could be storing up serious trouble. While publicity surrounding male cancers has increased both the awareness and stripped away some of the embarrassment associated with them, men could still be putting off life-saving early diagnosis by not seeking medical advice. On these pages we look at two cancers which pose both a threat and a challenge to men – young and old – to face up to their medical demons.
While testicular cancer affects more and more younger men prostate cancer is more common among the older generation particularly men aged over 60.
It has a similar potential 'embarrassment' factor, but is now highly treatable and with modern surgical techniques and medication it is no longer the death knell it once was.
One man who knows all about living with prostate cancer is former union official John Goode, who was diagnosed in 1997. Now 66, John is full of praise for the NHS. "Treatment has advanced significantly over the years," he said. "If this had happened to me 20 years ago I'd be dead now.
"Radiotherapy has kept the cancer at bay and while I'm not totally clear, I'm very happy, enjoying life, and glad to be alive. As soon as I suspected something was wrong I went to see my doctor. After that the treatment I had was first-class. So when I hear anyone run down the NHS I'm quick to put them straight!
"Men need to confront their medical worries sooner rather than later."
Early diagnosis is once again the key to maximising the chances of being cured and minimising the need for intrusive surgery. Some types of prostate cancer are benign causing no serious adverse affects. These require little or no treatment. Other types are malignant and can spread to adjacent parts of the body. In this case surgery is likely to follow.
A prostatectomy means that the prostate gland is removed, normally with small parts of the lymphatic system near the gland. However sophisticated surgical techniques and drugs have minimised previous side-effects with very little impact on the patient's quality of life.
Radiotherapy is also available. Advances here now see higher doses more precisely targeted, killing more cancer cells with fewer treatments.
Testicular cancer - the facts
- There are around 2,000 new cases diagnosed each year.
- It is the most common form of cancer in men aged between 20-39.
- Detected early enough it is almost always curable with a more than 90 per cent success rate.
- Treatment often involves surgery and is usually accompanied by chemotherapy/radiotherapy.
- Although fertility can be damaged most men are still able to father children after treatment.
- Tell-tale signs include a lump or swelling, often painless, in the testes, or a 'heavy' feeling in the scrotal sac.
Prostate cancer - the facts
- This is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in UK men.
- The prostate is a small walnut-sized gland situated near the bladder in men - it produces one component of semen.
- In 1999 there were 24,700 new cases diagnosed.
- If found early the chances of recovery are very good.
- Tell-tale signs include difficulty in passing water, an increased frequency and/or pain when urinating.
- Treatment where the cancer is aggressive involves surgery to remove the gland. This also may include removal of small parts of the lymphatic system near the gland.
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