Awareness is the first line of defence

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in Canada. This proclamation helps focus public attention on the very important protective role that such awareness can play in reducing the death and suffering associated with this disease.

The underlying reason for that is simple. In its beginning, prostate cancer, as is true for all cancers, starts and grows silently and stealthily, giving no indication through pain or other symptoms of its presence and of the developing pathology. Everything appears normal to the unsuspecting host until the cancer has grown to an extent that it interferes with normal function. There might then be pain, bleeding or some other manifestation of the growing tumour.

Unfortunately, by that time the disease may have reached an advanced stage, which is much more difficult to treat, and less likely to have a favourable outcome. It is a general truth in dealing with all types of cancer that the earlier it is discovered and treated, the better the likelihood of a favourable outcome. Awareness can be a major determinant of whether such early discovery happens or not.

Discovery of the cancer during its period of silent, surreptitious growth creates the opportunity for early treatment. Fortunately, in the case of prostate cancer such detection is favoured by two factors.

First, it is located in a small well-defined part of the anatomy, so we know where to look.

Second, we are lucky to be living in a time and place where two simple, easily applied tests exist that can reveal the possible presence of hidden developing trouble. One of these is a simple blood test (the PSA test), and the other is the digital rectal exam (DRE) in which the shape and consistency of the prostate are assessed by the examining physician.

Any abnormalities detected by either, or both, of these tests serve as flags that indicate the need for further investigation. Neither test, carried out every year or so, imposes any significant undue burden or inconvenience on the patient. However, since these tests involve healthy individuals, it’s easy to overlook and neglect them and a deliberate choice must be expressed to ensure they are done.

It is for this reason that it is so important to raise public awareness about prostate cancer.

Fortunately, here in Manitoba there are concerted efforts to raise such awareness. The most highly visible is the annual Manitoba Motorcycle Ride for Dad event where many hundreds of motorcyclists participate in a spectacular cavalcade of riders, raising both money and awareness. This event is widely advertised and is supported by a broad range of community public service organizations, involving politicians, police and fire fighter associations, news media and others. Each rider’s network of supporters amplifies the effectiveness of spreading their message.

That simple and effective message of “Get checked” is broadcast via multiple communication channels and reaches a broad sector of the public. We’ll never know how many lives have benefited from these exhortations.

A second effort flows from the work of the Manitoba Prostate Cancer Support Group through its monthly public meetings, newsletter, website (manpros.org) and other activities. Besides raising awareness, MPCSG’s mission is centred on providing support and educational presentations by relevant specialists.

MPCSG’s September meeting recognizes and honours the Prostate Cancer Awareness Month theme and is its highlight event of the year. It will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 16 at the Caboto Centre, 1055 Wilkes Ave., from 7 to 9 p.m. This year’s program will include eminent keynote speakers from CancerCare Manitoba and will feature the central role, successes and challenges in delivering and advancing treatment for prostate cancer, and indeed all cancer, patients in our province.

Don’t miss it. And bring a friend.

Joseph Borsa, PhD is a cancer survivor, board member and pastchair of the Manitoba Prostate Cancer Support Group.