On Fathers’ Day and everyday, its important to keep one of the most important men in your life healthy and up to date with health checks. Prostate cancer is the #11 highest cause of death in Costa Rica, ranking Costa Rica #30 country worldwide for prostate cancer deaths, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Symptoms

The prostate gland can develop cancer at an early age and generally there are no symptoms. The first signs of a problem may be difficulty in urinating, pain, difficulties in sexual intercourse or erectile dysfunction.When symptoms develop such as painful bones in the spine, ribs and pelvic area, the cancer is present and growing and then it spreads to other parts of the body and can result in prostate cancer in the spine and spinal cord, resulting in immobility and incontinence – not a nice way to go.

Health screening for prostate cancer

As there are no symptoms initially, it is important for men to consult with their doctors about prostate cancer screening from around the age of 50 years.

If a close family member – a father or brother – was diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65, a man’s risk of disease is high. If several first degree relatives – fathers, brothers, sons – have had prostate cancer at an early age, a man’s risk is considered very high.

Health screening options for prostate cancer are the Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) and the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA).Generally the PSA blood test is included in routine health checks for most men over 50 years of age, however it is worth checking if its included and if your doctor recommends you take it.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that men consult with their doctors to make a decision about PSA testing. According to the ACS, men should explore the risks and benefits of the PSA test at 50 if they are at average risk of prostate cancer, at age 45 if they are at high risk and age 40 if they are at very high risk (those with several first-degree relatives who had prostate cancer at an early age).

To read more, Click HERE to read our current article for Enespera magazine.

For Health check providers in Costa Rica, click HERE