Cancer treatment

Here’s the one fact that all men need to understand:

Early prostate cancer detection is the difference between living and dying as far as prostate cancer is concerned.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that cancer is one of the leading causes of death. What you may not have realized is that cancer is the second leading cause of death for men and prostate cancer is a very major contributor.

The reason for this is that prostate cancer can expand beyond the prostate gland and travel to other parts of the body. So a highly treatable cancer in the prostate is ignored and kill it grows into other parts of the body and becomes much more deadly.

The sad part is that doctors are able to detect prostate cancer in its very early stages. To complicate matters however, there are a few symptoms that are directly associated with prostate cancer alone. This in turn causes many men to simply ignore common symptoms until prostate cancer grows beyond the gland and becomes a seriously life threatening cancer.

The good news is that this disease is a slow progressive type of cancer while still localized in the prostate. A person can have prostate cancer for years and not know it if they don’t undergo several very simple diagnostic tests. These tests become even more important, as you age. Men with no family history of prostate cancer should be tested yearly. Black men and those with a family member who has had prostate cancer should consider annual testing at age 40.

Prostate cancer screening tests are simple and inexpensive.

+ Digital Rectal Examination

+ PSA Blood test. Measures levels of Prostate-Specific Antigen a key prostate cancer marker.

Your chance of survival and cure is directly related to early detection, diagnosis and treatment. Consistent testing will dramatically increase the chances of early detection before it becomes serious.

Another benefit of early detection is that the treatment options are much less radical. Earlier treatment methods are much more successful in not only curing prostate cancer but also limiting the complications and side effects of more aggressive treatment options.

If you haven’t been insisting on a prostate exam and blood test for prostate cancer indicators, you owe it to yourself and your family to start now. Don’t make the mistake of assuming symptoms may be simply due to your age. Prostate cancer is a serious illness that needs to be identified as soon as possible.

So at your next annual physical, make certain that basic prostate cancer screening tests are done. This is one of the key ways that you can make certain you life cancer free as long as possible.

Although we are beginning, largely as a result of education, to detect more cases of prostate cancer in their early stages, unfortunately all too many cases are still not being detected until they are quite advanced.

Advanced prostate cancer refers to a cancer which has spread outside of the prostate gland itself and is divided into stage 3 cancer, in which the disease has spread into the pelvic tissue surrounding the prostate gland, and stage 4 cancer, in which the disease has spread, or metastasized, into other areas of the body, typically being carried by the lymphatic system.

Although not easy, stage 3 prostate cancer can often be treated quite effectively and it is possible to cure prostate cancer in stage 3. Once the disease has reached stage 4 however it becomes very difficult to cure and, while a cure is sometimes possible, treatment (typically the removal of the testes, to starve the cancer of testosterone, and chemotherapy) is generally aimed at managing the condition by slowing the progression of the disease and providing the patient with the best possible quality of life.

To this end, recent clinical trials have been examining the use of a drug called Pertuzumab and initial results suggest that this drug may well be effective in extending the life of many men suffering from advanced prostate cancer.

Amongst a small study group of men with advanced prostate cancer the use of Pertuzumab was shown to stabilize the disease for varying periods of time and, overall, extended the 12 month survival rate of the group as a whole to nearly 75%, which compared favorably to the expected survival rate without treatment of less than 50%.

Pertuzumab is a form of monoclonal antibody which is produced in a laboratory and is designed to seek out and bind with specific cells. In the case of prostate cancer Pertuzumab is designed to seek out a protein known as epidermal growth factor, which plays a significant role in the growth of prostate cancer cells.

Monoclonal antibodies are not new and can be used alone or to carry drugs, toxins or radioactive material directly to the site of a tumor. Each antibody is designed to seek out specific cells and a number of monoclonal antibodies are already in use treating cancers, while others are in development or undergoing clinical trials.

The use of this form of targeted therapy is evolving rapidly in the management of cancer patients in general and it is hoped that with further development this will become a significant form of treatment for advanced prostate cancer patients.

Detected in its early stages, prostate cancer can be effectively treated and cured. In most men, prostate cancer grows very slowly; most men will never know they have the condition. Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor of the prostate gland.

The main job of the prostate gland is to make seminal fluid, the milky substance that transports sperm. It’s estimated that approximately 234,460 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year, and approximately 27,350 will die of the disease. If you have prostate cancer, are concerned about getting it, or if you’re looking out for the health of someone you love, this article can help.

One symptom is difficulty starting urination or holding back urine. One symptom is a need to urinate frequently, especially at night. Blood in the urine or semen and frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs are often symptoms of cancer.

Most symptoms, although associated with prostate cancer, are more likely to be connected to non-cancerous conditions. Because symptoms can mimic other diseases or disorders, men who experience any of these symptoms should undergo a thorough work-up to determine the underlying cause of the symptoms. Having one or more cancer symptoms does not necessarily mean that you have prostate cancer.

One downside to PSA testing is that health care providers are detecting and treating some very early-stage prostate cancers that may never have caused the patient any harm. A number of tests may be done to confirm a diagnosis. A PSA test with a high level can also be from a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland.

A urinalysis may indicate if there is blood in the urine. Another test usually used when prostate cancer symptoms are present is the digital rectal exam (DRE) performed by the doctor. A chest x-ray may be done to see if there’s a spread of cancer.

The conventional treatment of prostate cancer is often controversial. Surgery, radiation therapy, and hormonal therapy can interfere with libido on a temporary or permanent basis. Medications can have many side effects, including hot flashes and loss of sexual desire.

Be aware that some men choose natural treatment options and forgo any surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. Anyone considering surgery should be aware of the benefits, risks and the extent of the procedure. In patients whose health makes the risk of surgery unacceptably high, radiation therapy is often the chosen conventional alternative.

Surgery, called a radical prostatectomy, removes the entire prostate gland and some of the surrounding tissues. Surgery is usually only recommended after thorough evaluation and discussion of all available treatment options. Other medications used for hormonal therapy, with side effects, include androgen-blocking agents, which prevent testosterone from attaching to prostate cells.

Chemotherapy medications are often used to treat prostate cancers that are resistant to hormonal treatments. Whether radiation is as good as removing the prostate is debatable and the decision about which to choose, if any, can be difficult. Treatment options can vary based on the stage of the tumor.

If chemotherapy is decided upon after the first round of chemotherapy, most men receive further doses on an outpatient basis at a clinic or physician’s office. Besides hormonal drugs, hormone manipulation may also be done by surgically removing the testes.

If you haven’t been diagnosed but are concerned about symptoms you should call for an appointment to see your doctor; and if you’re a man older than 50 who has never been screened for prostate cancer (by rectal exam and/or PSA level determination) or not had a regular annual exam, or have had a family history of prostate cancer, make an appointment soon. It’s important to get as informed as possible and read all the newest books, ebooks and research available. Consider sites, such as this one, just a starting point where you can begin to learn about prostate cancer.

Prostrate cancer treatments can be categorized into two categories, based on the stage in which the cancer is. First category is called the Early Stage Prostrate Cancer Treatments and these treatments are administered in Stage I and Stage II. The second category is referred to as the Advanced Stage Prostrate Cancer Treatments and these are administered in Stage III and Stage IV.

Early Stage Prostrate Cancer Treatments

Surgery- Prostatectomy refers to the surgical removal of the prostrate gland. Patients can go for the traditional open surgery or the new, less invasive laparoscopic approach.

Robotic surgery – It is the latest development in prostrate cancer treatment and is very effective. It is based on the da Vinci System and preserves nerves, muscles, and other structures in the prostrate area.

Radiation Therapy- It is administered to kill the cancerous cells in the prostrate. The treatment is usually administered over a period of several weeks. There are certain side effects related to radiation therapy for prostrate cancer treatment and you should discuss them with your physician.

Cryosurgery- It is a new technique which is still under evaluation. Cryosurgery is done under anesthesia. Cooling probes are guided into the prostrate with the help of ultrasound. Once there these cooling probes freeze the cancerous cells, thereby killing them.

High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)- This is also carried out under anesthesia. During HIFU a probe is placed into the prostrate gland through the rectum. Then a high intensity focused ultrasound beam is used to raise the temperature in the concerned area, thereby killing the cancerous cells.

Late Stage Prostrate Cancer Treatments

In the late stages doctors usually recommend Orchiectomy, surgical removal of the testicles. This is done to remove the main source of testosterone, which are said to help the cancerous cells. Doctors also recommend radiation and chemotherapy when hormone therapy proves to be ineffective.

Whatever is the stage of cancer, it is important to discuss all the treatment options with your physician. Learn about the disadvantages and advantages associated with all the treatments so that you can make a sound decision regarding your health.

Before taking any treatment, you have to make sure that you know all the procedures and do one that is most appropriate for your condition. Any and all concerns must be spoken out. Remember that you are dealing with your life here, so it is certainly not the time to be shy. By all means, consult with your doctor, and ask questions whenever necessary.

Every year there are about one million prostate biopsies carried out in the United States alone, of which about 25 percent show the presence of prostate cancer. However, another 25 percent of these biopsies also produce false negative results, which means that a quarter of those men undergoing a prostate biopsy are being cleared by their biopsy, despite the fact that they do in fact have prostate cancer.

These results do not means that there is anything wrong with the prostate biopsy procedure as a tool for identifying prostate cancer, but it does mean that there is a need to identify those patients who, despite returning a negative result, are at high risk from prostate cancer and should therefore undergo a second follow-up biopsy.

Until now there has been no simple way of identifying patients at risk, however, a recent study of more than 500 patients being investigated for prostate cancer may provide a solution.

All of the men in the study group had previously received a negative biopsy result and researchers found that when they looked at both a patient’s prostate specific antigen (PSA) test results and adjusted this for the size of the prostate gland they were able to identify those patients who were more likely to receive a positive result on a follow-up biopsy.

The researchers also discovered that a Gleeson score of 7 or higher suggested the presence of a life-threatening prostate cancer and the need for a further biopsy. The Gleeson score, which runs on a scale between 2 and 10, is derived from a microscopic investigation of biopsy tissue, with a low score indicating a cancer with a low risk of spread and a high score indicating a cancer which is more likely to spread.

A prostate biopsy is an expensive procedure and one which can also be very worrying for the patient. It can also be a painful procedure which can be accompanied by bleeding and patients run the risk of infection following the biopsy. For these reasons it is in everyone’s interest to identify those patients for whom a second biopsy is advisable and to reduce as far as possible the number of unnecessary follow-up biopsies being performed each year.

Sex -

From my short- time experience and from what I have heard already from other sufferers – this is one of those topics that men most want to know about- but few medics are specific about. All too often, the individual reality remains hidden behind terms and statistics like 30% impotence- but what does that mean exactly to the individual?

“Impotence” can be a very general term - to some it means an inability to sire children – yet to others it means the ability to have an erection and satisfy a partner. What does it really mean on a Saturday night when you are alone with a partner, you’ve had a nice meal, the mood is right- and you wish to indulge in some sexual activity?

In discussing this issue honestly and openly, it is necessary for me to ask you to first take the element of “love” right out of the equation. I’m primarily talking about sex and not love or lovemaking. We will put it in back later, but first in raw terms it is necessary to discuss the most basic drive (and function) in all males- the ability to have an erection and please or satisfy a partner.

Having an erection or being able to have one, is at the base of everything we hold dear as being the men that we are. Little wonder, problems with being able to achieve that, can strike at the very core of our sense of wellbeing and confidence.

Physically, each prostate case is different, and how the individual is affected long term entirely depends what is removed by whichever procedure. Given that there are two main “tubes” on either side of the prostate that supply the penis with the “wherewithal” to function properly, in most surgery’s one or even both tubes may have to be removed depending on the spread. Nowadays Surgeons are very careful to try to save as much as possible- but it’s not always possible. If a man’s cancer is on one side of the prostate, as it usually is, it’s almost a certainty that he will lose one of the two tubes. In such a case, his capability may be affected (although not necessarily) if prior to the procedure he had no difficulties in achieving full, firm erections etc. If on the other hand he was experiencing difficulties before one tube was removed, it is highly likely that his capabilities will be even further reduced.

From what I have been able to find out so far- most men with one tube intact may be able to function satisfactorily with or without assistance from such modern day marvels as Viagra or Cialus. This is a fantastic thing because it is not so long ago that there were fewer medical alternatives available, but now many men and their partners are benefiting from these recent medical advances.

If a man loses both “tubes” in radical surgeries, there is another alternative that is still viable in many cases . He can inject himself - (usually alprostadil) into the base of his penis. This is perhaps, not as radical as it sounds and I have two friends who, due to other medical conditions, have happily relied on these injections for several years and have reported few difficulties. They also stress it is nowhere near as bad as it sounds. These options have opened up the way over recent years for men to still indulge in ordinary sexual activity. If a guy is still experiencing difficulties- further adjustments with medications may help correct any imbalances.

One of the reasons why Brachytherapy is enjoying such a positive reputation, is because the procedure leaves the tubes intact, (although atrophied) which in turn, reportedly leaves men functioning better afterwards. In time, emissions will dry up and in cases of surgery where there has been removal, ejaculation will simply end up in the bladder. There will be the sense of cumming as well as an orgasm, but nothing will come out.

Again, all cases are individual and no information here can be relied upon as gospel – but there is cause for optimism because from what I have been told and from what I have been able to find out- in most cases a reasonable form of sex life has been possible post procedure or surgery.

One man I know had his prostate removed thirty years ago and he reports to have had a very active sex life up until very recently (he’s now 85). Although following the procedure he has been unable to produce any ejaculate, he said that he always believed his orgasms were even more intense and no less satisfying.

I mentioned in the beginning of this article that I was mainly speaking of only the ability to perform penetration with a weapon that functioned, but it would be remiss of me not to mention the special assistance that can be provided by a loving understanding partner within the confines of a relationship. While I’m not going to address that issue here simply because my research so far has been limited in that area, it is worth noting that in most cases a satisfying sex life encompasses much more than just penetration- and even though a man may be robbed of some aspect of his sexuality- the door is still open to explore and enjoy many other techniques of sensuality. It is seldom a case of coming to the end of the world!

Certainly, in these times, impotence is not the big bogeyman that it once was and in future times I look forward to exploring this topic more and posting information. If you have some experience in this area and would like to share it with me under a blanket of anonymity to share it with others, please feel free to contact me via the “contact me box” and your experience could be invaluable in assisting other men.

The prostate is a small, walnut-sized structure that makes up part of a man’s reproductive system; it wraps around the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. If you have prostate cancer, are concerned about getting it, or if you’re looking out for the health of someone you love, this article can help. The most common cancer in American men, excluding skin cancer, is prostate cancer.

The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system. At an advanced age, the risks of surgery for prostate cancer or other more radical treatments may actually be worse than the disease. Prostate cancer is characterized by ‘grade’ and ’stage’; grade is given to indicate how quickly a cancer is growing — the higher the grade, the more likely it is that the cancer will grow and spread rapidly and the size and extent of the tumor will determine its stage.

Weak or interrupted flow of urine and painful or burning urination can be symptoms to watch out for. Some men will experience symptoms that might indicate the presence of prostate cancer. If cancer is caught at its earliest stages, most men will not experience any symptoms.

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease are bone pain or tenderness, and abdominal pain. One prostate cancer symptom is difficulty starting urination or holding back urine. One symptom is a need to urinate frequently, especially at night.

CT scans may be done to see if the cancer has spread. There is a newer test called AMACR that is more sensitive than the PSA test for determining the presence of prostate cancer. A PSA test with a high level can also be from a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland.

A bone scan can indicate whether the cancer has spread or not. When a digital rectal exam is performed it often reveals an enlarged prostate with a hard, irregular surface. The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test measures the PSA enzyme in your blood for abnormalities.

Whether radiation is as good as removing the prostate is debatable and the decision about which to choose, if any, can be difficult. Surgery, radiation therapy, and hormonal therapy can interfere with libido on a temporary or permanent basis. Some drugs with numerous side effects are being used to treat advanced prostate cancer, blocking the production of testosterone, called chemical castration; it has the same result as surgical removal of the testes.

Since prostate tumors require testosterone to grow, reducing the testosterone level is used to prevent further growth and spread of the cancer. Prostate cancer that has spread (metastasized) may be treated conventionally with drugs to reduce testosterone levels, surgery to remove the testes, chemotherapy or nothing at all. Surgery, called a radical prostatectomy, removes the entire prostate gland and some of the surrounding tissues.

Recent improvements in surgical procedures have made complications occur less often. An oncology specialist will usually recommend treating with a single drug or a combination of drugs. Medications can have many side effects, including hot flashes and loss of sexual desire.

Anyone considering surgery should be aware of the benefits, risks and the extent of the procedure. In patients whose health makes the risk of surgery unacceptably high, radiation therapy is often the chosen conventional alternative. Hormone manipulation is mainly used as a treatment to relieve symptoms in men whose cancer has spread.

Surgery is usually only recommended after thorough evaluation and discussion of all available treatment options. What you can do now is begin to understand what exactly your treatment options are and where you’re going to begin.

It’s important to get as informed as possible and read all the newest books, ebooks and research available. Once diagnosed you may be want to join a support group whose members share their experiences and problems. Make sure to read everything you can get your hands on and mull it all over.

Many men, especially those later in life have made the decision with their doctors to simply watch and wait. About 80 percent of men who reach the age of 80 have prostate cancer. It’s deadly but can be cured if it’s caught early enough.

Like other cancers, the cause of prostate cancer is not known; it appears to be more common in African American men and men with a family history of the disease. The prostate gland is located directly beneath the bladder and in front of the rectum. The male hormone testosterone contributes to the growth of cancer.

Because the symptoms can mimic other diseases or disorders, men who experience any of these symptoms should undergo a thorough work-up to determine the underlying cause of the symptoms. Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease are bone pain or tenderness, and abdominal pain. There may be other symptoms not mentioned here.

Most prostate cancer symptoms, although associated with prostate cancer, are more likely to be connected to non-cancerous conditions. If cancer is caught at its earliest stages, most men will not experience any symptoms. One symptom is difficulty starting urination or holding back urine.

There are several potential downsides to PSA testing; for example a high PSA does not always mean a patient has prostate cancer. CT scans may be done to see if the cancer has spread. What is called a free PSA may help tell the difference between BPH (benign prostatic hypertrophy), an enlargement of the prostate gland, and prostate cancer.

A urinalysis may indicate if there is blood in the urine. A prostate biopsy usually confirms the diagnosis. The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test measures the PSA enzyme in your blood for abnormalities.

Recent improvements in surgical procedures have made complications occur less often. Medicines can be used to adjust the levels of testosterone; called hormonal manipulation. Surgery is usually only recommended after thorough evaluation and discussion of all available treatment options.

Prostate cancer that has spread (metastasized) may be treated conventionally with drugs to reduce testosterone levels, surgery to remove the testes, chemotherapy or nothing at all. Some drugs with numerous side effects are being used to treat advanced prostate cancer, blocking the production of testosterone, called chemical castration; it has the same result as surgical removal of the testes. Side effects of chemotherapy drugs depend on which ones you’re taking and how often and how long they’re taken.

An oncology specialist will usually recommend treating with a single drug or a combination of drugs. Chemotherapy medications are often used to treat prostate cancers that are resistant to hormonal treatments. Anyone considering surgery should be aware of the benefits, risks and the extent of the procedure.

Other medications used for hormonal therapy, with side effects, include androgen-blocking agents, which prevent testosterone from attaching to prostate cells. What you can do now is begin to understand what exactly your treatment options are and where you’re going to begin. Hormone manipulation is mainly used as a treatment to relieve symptoms in men whose cancer has spread.

In patients whose health makes the risk of surgery unacceptably high, radiation therapy is often the chosen conventional alternative. Whether radiation is as good as prostate removal is debatable and the decision about which to choose, if any, can be difficult.

Once diagnosed you may be want to join a support group whose members share their experiences and problems. As new research comes out adjust your treatment options accordingly. Consider articles such as this one, just a starting point where you can begin to learn about prostate cancer.

Now to tell “the friends.” I decide to tell the closest 20 friends in the most positive way I can because I feel that at this time I have a positive story to tell that may help others. Because I know a lot of people- and a lot of people know me I figure that only good can come out of it by being honest and I also know that if I don’t let them know the truth as it is, it will be only a matter of time before someone tells them something via the grapevine that is less positive and that wouldn’t do anyone any good. In short, I see it as a small opportunity to strike a small blow for mankind.

I’m still undecided about what to do with my family though as they live in NZ and I live in Australia. As my Father died less than a year ago and her best friend died of cancer just over a year ago I really think Mum’s been through enough of late so I don’t want to tell her about me just yet. I know my Sister will immediately but mildly “freak out” and my brother will be ok- but if I tell one, how can I not tell the other? - or which one should I tell first? I make a decision not to make a decision about them just yet, meantime I will write to the friends in Australia – I write and send the following email –

Hi Friends,

Just to let you know – you can put the black suits and frocks back in the cupboard for now- got word this morning that there is no sign of cancer anywhere else in my body- “it is contained in the prostate”- so the treatments can begin and I stand a good chance (95%) of being cancer – free in five years.

I believe I can at least play a little part in the future, in helping other guys to change entrenched attitudes to getting tested regularly. At this time we still lag 20 years behind the ladies – who have understood the importance of getting “their bits” monitored and checked as a matter of routine. Men have to do the same.

Dan

Ps: sorry to report – I’ve decided I won’t have any more children!

I get some really nice responses to my email - here are some excerpts of a few of them.

I am ecstatic about your good news.

It could all so easily have gone in another direction, and now I’ll get on my soapbox, Dan, CHANGE YOUR DIET!

Don’t waste this wakeup call - they are rationed you know.

I did not even know you had been diagnosed until now. It is a great relief however to know your cancer is curable and so I won’t have to email you in heaven. “Don’t think they are on line yet!”

My annual check up keeps me from departing this world prematurely.

I decided a long time ago that I will be around to celebrate my 100th anniversary, unless I get done in by the proverbial Bus

Cripes mate – what a shock to J and me! Just as well it was instantly followed by relief! Thank you for sharing your news and wise advice. I’m actually booked in for a check-up in a couple of weeks. We’ve been going through a spate of mates and associates touched by the dreaded big ‘C’ and heart attacks. It does bring one to realise the need to endure regular check-ups and be grateful for every minute of good health! Even though all looks bright my friend – you can count on us should you need support.

Hi Dan. Spoke to Aunty Mo and we agreed we would all spend an all night vigil (with vodka) when we know you are going under the knifette.

Prayers and thoughts - is that OTT - we shall wear bright colours and play Aretha’s ‘Sugar pie honey bunch’in a similar vein to when you both danced across my bed at Glebe all those years ago.

Hi Dan, I spoke to J over the weekend and she told me of your scare.

I am delighted to hear that we have not yet seen Custer’s (I mean Dan’s) last stand. I had a check up myself just a month or so back because a cousin has had a similar problem but not quite such a confined outcome.

My friends are great- and this is a very small sampling of the many that have arrived.

Monday March 5th

I ring Pam who advises me Doc G will ring me soon. Nearly a week goes by and I ring her again. She advises me he wants to talk to another specialist about me and will be in touch soon as he has a specific treatment in mind.

Thursday March 8th

Early evening the phone rings – it’s Mum. She sounds good and is obviously in the mood for a chat. We cover quite a few topics and chat for a good half hour before finally she asks did I remember a Kenny Te Po? Yes I do- he was in my class at school. She tells me he’s died. She saw his death notice in the local paper. Funny I remember him because it’s been fifty years since I last saw him. We both marvel at each other’s memories, but then she does something extraordinary. She says clearly and distinctly, “Now what about you? How exactly is your health?” The question is so direct and so pointed it almost seems like she knows (but I’m sure she doesn’t). I realise I’ve got no option but to come clean. I pause for just a second but its too long and already I hear her drop a tone and say “Oh!”

I find myself sort of stumbling out “Well, Mum, there is something but before I tell you I want you to know its all going to be ok and its not the end of the world ok?” A second “Oh!”

“Fact is I’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer, but we’ve got it early” and I go on to explain. She takes it all very well- I’m relieved. I don’t want to have to worry about the family or indeed anyone else. At the end of the conversation she asks do I want to tell my brother & sister. I tell her I think it might be best if it comes from her, if she doesn’t mind? She agrees – I’m glad. So much easier because she’s on the spot and I think it will help them if it comes from her rather than the other way around.

I can predict the reactions – a phone call from my sister immediately she finds out- a considered email from my bother several days later.

Friday March 9th

I get an email from my sister…the subject line is: Mum Just Rang

What to say? Hell! Early stages is good Pet. You’ll beat it. Odds are really good when they get it early. Friend’s hubby had it detected early and alls well. Bloody hell, I feel sick. Can I ring you?

I don’t doubt she will ? and she does – and will again.

Saturday March 10th

Sister rings & brother emails (predictions all correct).

Brother’s email –

Sorry to hear the latest report and hope you get through and beyond this unwelcome ‘event’ quickly and smoothly. I do hope you’d sing out if you would want me to come over for support. I’m really not sure what’s involved after these ops but keep us posted. I know you have been talking with Sis and Mum. Probably been putting off ringing so I don’t have to listen to what you will most likely tell me. I know I must go too.

You’ll be pleased to know that whilst writing this I thought ‘bugger it I have to do it’ and have rung and got an appointment for this afternoon. So I will finally get to meet my Dr! First time I’ve been to the Dr since 1996. Just hope it aint a hereditary thing.

I’m not sure what to say except that we are both thinking of you and wish you a speedy recovery.

Love from us both

s & e

Ps: E is going to die of fright tonight when I tell her I’ve been to the Doc!

March 11th

Sister rings

Monday March 12th

Sister rings twice - she’s waiting on news that I’m waiting on. This time I tell her I’m worried that she’s worrying too much- love hearing from her but suggest we take it back a notch. I promise to keep her up to date with regular emails and suggest I would love it if she would call me a little more often than in the past but not quite as much as she’s doing now because its making me feel as though she thinks I’m going to die tomorrow.

Well guys here it is- a letter from a friend of mine in the USA, received after I told him I had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. This letter encompasses some widely held beliefs -

Dear Dan,
I am glad to get the news that your prostate cancer has been contained. I didn’t know you had this problem.
The best prevention is to jack your dick regularly, which I do.
The seminal vesicals need to be emptied on a schedule. I jack off one night, then I skip two, and do it again.

I am not the least bit shy to talk about what every man does.
It is as much part of being a man as shaving. If you don’t mind telling me, were you regular about doing it? I am interested to know if that helps keep the prostate healthy. I have some enlargement, as you might for a man of 71 years.
My very best to you dear friend and stay in touch,
V.

Well, there you have it- but is it true?

This letter prompted me to go searching and I was amazed at what I found.

The fact is that frequent sex may indeed provide prostate cancer protection, according to an 8-year Canadian study of 29,342 men ages 46 to 81. Those who ejaculated at least 21 times a month reduced their risk of the disease by a third, compared with those averaging 4 to 7 times a month. Researchers speculate that the active men may be clearing potentially carcinogenic cells from the body.

A recent study in Australia also came out with the same findings. Should it be a surprise? I have read in similar studies it appears that colon cancers happen more often to those who do not “clean out” - i.e people who get bound up, frequently suffer from many other ills because of the number of poisons that ferment in the bowel rather than be expelled. Does this mean glands created to produce, do become clogged and toxic when they are not used? It is a theory that looks evermore likely to be right and goes along with the old adage- what you don’t use, you lose!

If having sex five times a week sounds a bit much, the good news is, your partner doesn’t have to shoulder the full responsibility. As it turns out, men gained protection whether their efforts were with a partner or solo. So there it is guys- the science seems to be saying “go for it, it’s very good for you!”