No doubt you're sitting there reading this article and very intrigued. Can women get prostate cancer? You're probably thinking that it's only men who have prostate glands. Well that's not entirely true. Yes, that's not a typo. In 2002, the Federative International Committee on Anatomic Terminology re-named a part of the female's anatomy known as Skene's glands as the Female Prostate and there is some evidence to suggest that it is this gland which produces a female orgasm when stimulated-the elusive 'G' spot. However, women should not start getting worried whether these Skene or Female Prostate glands can become cancerous–they do not. We are really here to discuss how prostate cancer in your partner or family affects you; the title is just a metaphor. Prostate cancer is an important health issue in both men and their partners and will as in any major illness, affect both of you.
Women play a great role not only in supporting him in the battle of the disease but also in encouraging him to get tested earlier. Evidence has shown that it is more difficult (for a variety of reasons) to encourage men to participate in screening programmes compared to women (eg Breast or cervical screening). We (men) are not as motivated. The scientific evidence for screening prostate cancer is complex and as yet guidance is not clear on a population level. The advice is different on both sides of the Atlantic and so I would advise that you discuss the issues regarding the good and bad of an early prostate test with your doctor. There is a slight difference with the American versus European research and thus advice–the American data contains significant experience from African-American men and thus we can make an extrapolation a bit more accurately to our own population here in Trinidad and Tobago.
What to do
Educating yourself about Prostate cancer is a job for both you and your male partner. Decisions to screen and get tested and how often is a detailed discussion and can often make or break your return visits–so ensure you are well informed.
Essentially there are two main tests for use in men: a rectal exam and a blood test (called a PSA, which stands for Prostatic Specific Antigen). In general, a high PSA triggers more investigative tests to explore whether a cancer is driving it up. This can include an ultrasound and a needle test.
You should be aware that a normal PSA can also be present even with a cancer lingering around and some drugs can cause this, so ensure you tell your medical team about all any medications your partner is taking including the herbal stuff.
The problem with prostate cancer like many other cancers is that often there are no symptoms in the early stages. This is why some leaders in the field advocate early tests.
However when the cancer is in a late stage there can be symptoms such as blood in the urine, problems with erection, back pain or loss of bladder or bowel control.
The presence of such symptoms should not prompt panic but rather a visit to the doctor.
Much research is ongoing to help identify risks in developing prostate cancer however, the conclusions are still not clear. It is certain however that the older you are and being of African descent are strong risks factors. Some studies have suggested that diets high in red meat and few vegetables may carry a higher risk of developing this cancer. Being overweight does not seem to carry the same higher risk. My advice here is to eat a healthy and balanced diet.
Some men may be interested to know that having a vasectomy is not associated with any risk of developing prostate cancer.
For the women of this world, you have a great part to play in prostate cancer. When your partner has to take a test, you do. When he's worried about it, you are and when he's been diagnosed with it–you are too.
Your support through education and participation will improve the journey, the experience and the outcome.
Dr Rajen Rampaul is Consultant Breast Surgeon and Surgical Oncologist
Prostate pointers for women:
Men hate the idea of a rectal exam–if you don't encourage him; he'll probably put it off year after year.
Getting tested, receiving the result or even dealing with prostate cancer is difficult and having a shoulder to lean on is a critical part of the therapy. There is no other shoulder he wants than yours–lend it.
Eating right and exercise helps to reduce cancer risks. Together it's easier to encourage each other to eat well and keep up an active lifestyle.
Women are a great centre point of awareness. You may have a partner, a brother, your father and friends, you can also encourage them to get the facts and visit their doctor to discuss whether early testing is right for them.
If he has any of the above symptoms, don't panic but get it checked out.