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Learn about early detection and risk reductionBy HEIZEL LARU-AN MAINARDecember 13, 2010, 1:19pm

In 2005, the Philippines had recorded over 4,000 new cases and 2,000 deaths due to this cause.  Worldwide, it claims one man’s life every 19 minutes.  Despite these numbers, symptoms are rarely made known until it is too late.  The disease is known as Prostate Cancer (PCa).

According to 2010 statistics, there are about six million Filipino men over the age of 50 who are susceptible to develop PCa.  Probability increases when there’s a family history of cancer.  Aside from this, an elevated Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) also triggers the development of PCa. 

In lieu of promoting prostate health awareness among Filipino men, Healthway Medical and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) have joined hands in partnership.  And while testing is one way to protect men from PCa, GSK shares the first and only approved medication that can help in the reduction of prostate cancer risk – the Dutasteride.

“The company conducted a study for the reduction of risk of PCA involving 4,000 patients from different countries while studies for the reduction of BPH involve patients from the Philippines.  In one study, 31.4 percent of patients with family history of PCa reduced the risk by 23 percent,” shares GSK medical director Dr. Joven Tanchuco. 

Meanwhile, urologist Jason Letran shares his observation over a marked evolution in the attitude of patients in his 12 years of practice.  “Before, I see prostate cancer patients to be in their 70s and in a very advanced stage.  Nowadays, we have patients even in their 40s or 50s, in their earlier stage, where cure is still possible,” tells Dr. Letran.

Diagnosed patients with PCa may opt for open surgery or laparoscopic surgery of which Dr. Letran is quick to note two potential effects associated with the removal of the cancerous prostate gland: loss of control of urine and loss of erectile function.

“With so many cases we have done, we’ve been able to preserve at least their control of urine quite satisfactorily.  With regards to the sexual function, we were not as successful as our American counterparts. However, with the new system like the robotic system, we would be able to identify the nerves better than the naked eye.”

Incidentally, the first robotic surgery in the Philippines was recently performed in The Medical City by Dr. Letran himself.   â€œWe still have ways to preserve their quality of life, prolong their survival.  Even for patients who are already far advanced, we still have ways to maintain their bodily function.  So they may live their longest pain-free survival as possible without very much jeopardizing their quality of life.”

In conclusion, Dr. Letran stressed that early detection and probably risk reduction is the best way to battle PCa. “If you love your family, you will go for a check-up.  If detected early, you can be cured.  You can be spared of your bodily function, you can be spared of your macho image plus the treatment can be done in a more humane way, and in a more elegant way.”


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