Krysta Anderson, Gleaner Writer

Most Jamaican men head to the hills at the mention of the word 'doctor'. Many rely on herbal remedies to rectify many medical issues. But with the rise of lifestyle diseases that affect men, particularly prostate cancer, they may want to give seeing a doctor a second thought.

According to counselling psychologist Olive Ellis, public discussions of men's urology issues and sexual health are quite rare in Jamaica. To help alleviate this, she recently held a urinary and sexual health seminar. "Part of this code of silence seems to be cultural, as men find it difficult or embarrassing to discuss anything that affects them below the belt."

September is Prostate Cancer Month worldwide, while October is internationally recognised as Breast Cancer Month and November is Cancer Research Awareness month.

Of all the cancers, prostate is the one that only men have. Ellis reveals prostate cancer is the first cause of cancer-related death in men in Jamaica, with a mortality rate of 78.1 per cent out of every 100,000 men, while it is the third most common cause of cancer-related death in men of all ages. "Although rare in men under 40 years old, men with prostate cancer-related issues sometimes suffer in silence as their 'manhood' is affected. Most men also find it very embarrassing to do the examination for prostate, as it requires the doctor inserting a finger (or two) in the rectum." However, with recent development, it can also be detected through a blood test.

Symptoms

The most common signs of prostate cancer include frequent urination, a weak urine flow, breaks in urine stream, dribbling, blood in urine, blood in semen, painful ejaculation, erectile dysfunction. Ellis encourages men who are displaying any of these symptoms to seek medical attention as soon as possible, "Treatment depends on how much the cancer has grown. Treatment may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and counselling."

Enlarged prostate, erectile dysfunction and bladder leakage were also listed as some of the sexual and urinary-health issues which men can expect as they get older. Enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) the psychologist declared, is a common, noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, "The enlarged prostate may compress the urinary tube (urethra), which courses through the centre of the prostate, impeding the flow of urine from the bladder through the urethra to the outside. Generally beginning after age 30, BPH evolves slowly, and causes symptoms only after age 50, where only a minority needs surgery."

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the "inability to have or maintain an erection. Erectile dysfunction can be as a result of prostate problems, stress, depression, poor self-esteem, performance anxiety, substance abuse, diabetes and other illnesses, affecting men as early as their 30s," asserted Ellis.

She explained that most of these health issues would have been treatable if they were discovered early, but because most are left untreated or not treated on time, they can actually prove to be fatal. "It is important that men know about them so that they will get regular health checks, know and understand what the symptoms are and know what to look for."

Specifically in Jamaica, the incidence of prostate cancer and other prostate health is high, explains Ellis, noting that most times, the diagnosis is made when the disease is at a chronic stage when not much, if anything can be done.

Routine maintenance

Like their cars, men need routine maintenance, check-ups and health screening. You need to:

Stop avoiding the doctor. Do not wait until something is seriously wrong to visit the doctor.

Change your lifestyle. Exercise and maintain a healthy weight. Stop smoking, drinking alcohol, eating unhealthy food, having unprotected sex with multiple partners.

Follow your doctor's orders if you have a health issue.

Go for counselling, as this can be beneficial, especially if suffering from depression or anxiety.

Discuss your sexual-health issues and concerns with your partner, as they too are affected. Talking about it will help them to understand what you are going through and they will be able to give you the support you need. It will also help them to know that you have not lost interest in them sexually.

She notes that women also have a role to play in stressing the importance of regular health checks to their husband, friend, father, brother, son. "Learn about the different men's health issues so that you can play a major role in getting them to make informed choices about their bodies and health."

The responsibility ultimately lies in the hands of those affected, so men, take charge of your health.