What Men Should Know About Prostate Cancer
September 10, 2021
Prostate cancer is a cancer that starts in the prostate - a part of the male reproductive system which includes the penis, prostate, seminal vesicles, and testicles. The prostate gland is present only in men and located in the pelvis below the bladder. It wraps around the tube where the urine passes through and secretes part of the liquid of the semen that carries the sperm. Citing the 2020 data from the Global Cancer Observatory (GCO), the Department of Health (DOH) reports that prostate cancer is the fifth leading cancer site and third leading cause of cancer deaths among Filipino males. Ayon din sa Philippine Cancer Society, 6 in 10 cases are diagnosed in men aged 65 or older. The average age at the time of diagnosis is 66 years old.
Makatutulong ang maagang diagnosis para labanan ang prostate cancer ngunit dahil hindi pa rin matukoy ang eksaktong dahilan sa pagkakaroon nito, imposible pa rin itong maiwasan. Many risk factors such as age, race, and family history cannot be controlled. The DOH adds that prostate cancer can often be detected early through testing such as using a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) or through a digital rectal exam (DRE). Talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of testing, its benefits and risks.
Age, family history and obesity are common factors that increase the risk of prostate cancer. Normally, prostate cancer does not have symptoms until it has grown larger. That’s why it’s really important to listen to your body. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), different people have different symptoms for prostate cancer. Some men do not have symptoms at all. Having one or two of these symptoms does not always mean you have cancer, but remember that prevention is always key.
Kung ikaw ay nakararanas ng anuman sa mga sintomas na ito, agad na kumonsulta sa iyong duktor.
You may also consider trying these tips to lessen your risk of developing prostate cancer:
Improve your diet. Diet plays a key role to reduce the risk of having any type of cancer. Include tomatoes and other red food, eat more fruits and vegetables, take soy products, choose good fats and drink coffee.
Quit smoking. Cigarette or tobacco smoking is dangerous to everyone’s health. Smokers have a higher chance of dying from prostate cancer.
Exercise. Engaging in some physical activities can lower your risk of developing any illness. Take at least 30-minutes of your time, each day, to exercise such as walking, running, bicycling or swimming.
Get cancer protection. We know that medical care and treatment for a critical illness may cost a fortune. Make sure to have a protection in place early on before it hits you so you can take advantage of its full benefits. Habang maaga pa, simulan mo nang mag-secure ng isang maayos na insurance plan na magbibigay-proteksyon sa iyo at sa iyong pamilya anuman ang mangyari sa hinaharap.
Aside from its Life and Accidental Death benefits, Paramount Direct’s PrimeHealth Cash Plan also provides a lump sum payout that is given if you are diagnosed with a critical illness such as heart attack, stroke, cancer, coronary artery bypass surgery and end-stage renal failure requiring dialysis.
Bukod sa healthier na lifestyle, ang pagkakaroon ng tama at wastong impormasyon ay susi sa pagpuksa sa kahit na anong sakit. Ngayong Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, mahalagang ipaalala sa lahat, lalo na sa mga nakatatandang kalalakihan, na maging alerto sa mga sintomas ng prostate cancer. Kayang talunin ang prostate cancer through early screening and adequate treatment. Hindi naman nakababawas sa pagkalalake ang pagtanggap at pagharap sa sakit na ito, ‘di ba?
Having cancer, especially during this pandemic, can surely take a toll on everyone’s physical and mental health. When a critical illness strikes, even your best-laid plans can also lead to serious economic losses. Apart from taking the necessary precautions, we should also prepare ourselves financially - have a plan, manage our finances and make the most of our resources. Protecting yourself and your loved ones from any unfortunate incident that could leave you financially handicapped is a must.
Visit www.paramountdirect.com to learn more about our PrimeHealth Cash Plan.
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