Lalitpur, September 6

Jit Bahadur Rai, 79, of Udayapur was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He underwent biopsy test after he saw blood in his urine.

Rai used to undergo general health check-up once every two years and was diagnosed with prostate cancer last February. “I underwent the operation for prostate cancer before it was too late,” he said.

Suresh Kumar Shrestha, 66, of Sanepa had been diagnosed with prostate complications 15 years ago and subsequently he underwent operation. Some 13 years after the operation, the gland got swollen and burst inside. “After treatment, now doctors have told me that I am out of danger. I only need to follow up regularly” he said.

The causes of prostrate cancer can be genetic or changes in testosterone hormone in men, according to Dr Robin Joshi, urologic oncologist at the Nepal Cancer Hospital. He added that ageing men especially after they reach 50 have high chances of developing prostate cancer.

“Fifty per cent men above the age of 50 years and 75 per cent men above the age of 75 years have high chances of prostrate complications,” Dr Joshi said.

Painful urination, interrupted flow of urine, blood in the urine and pain in lower back are some common symptoms of prostrate cancer. Dr Joshi attributed unhealthy lifestyle to the disease. “Those who take unhygienic food, eat red meat and consume less green vegetables and live a sedentary life without regular exercises are more likely to develop prostrate cancer,” he said, indicating that there is lack of awareness of the disease among people.

Regular health checkup is the best way to diagnose the disease in the early stage among men and all its treatment is possible within the country.