BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – MEN, the world over, seem to be purposefully neglecting having their prostate examined because of the misconception that if one were to have the test done, the act would somehow have some sort of sexual connotation attached. And those men in St. Kitts and Nevis are not different in their thinking.
Prostate cancer occurs when cancer forms in the prostate – which, according to www.cancer.gov, is “a gland in the male reproductive system found below the bladder and in front of the rectum”.
Dr. Vance Gilbert of New Life Health Center explained to this publication that while there are a number of tests which could be done as screening tools, prostate cancer could only be diagnosed after a biopsy is performed; and in order for a biopsy to be performed, a digital rectal examination (DRE) must be done.
He said he is aware of the complaints which men share concerning their rectal cavity and the insecurity they may experience if it were probed.
He however noted that a minute or two of discomfort could mean the difference between life and death.
“Well, certainly that is one of the more common complaints that men have; one of discomfort. I often tell them that it is a very simple examination that can be done…it is used basically as a screening in terms of the digital rectal examination. But apart from that, we also have other screening tests that can be used, which include a blood test called a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test.
“It is a blood test that can be used as a sort of screening tool that gives us an idea is there is any alteration in the prostate. And then of course there – depending on what the test says – then further testing might be necessary.”
Dr. Gilbert informed that according to recent recommendations, men 45 years and older should have their prostate tested on a yearly basis. He advised that men – for the sake of their health – should ditch their fears or insecurities and have the appropriate tests done.
“At the end of the day, if somebody is suspected to have any…which might be prostate cancer, besides the digital rectal examination and the PSA, then there are others tests that can be done which include an ultrasound. But, ultimately, what has to be done to diagnose prostate cancer is something called a biopsy, whereby a sample is taken of the prostate and sent to the lab to see if there are any cancerous cells in it. And that has to be done via the rectum.”
Notwithstanding that, Dr. Gilbert described prostate cancer as “very slow growing cancer”. He informed that it is developed by one in six men, is the leading cause of cancer death in men and is the second most common cancer in men.
His words of admonition – especially for older men – “ensure that you get tested as part of your yearly physical examination”.
