admin A medical specialist in Modern Reproductive Health, Dr. Oluwabukola Ashaolu has given an assurance to Men suffering from Prostate Cancer that the disease is curable. While answering questions from Crude Reports magazine, Dr. Ashaolu noted that medical solutions for Prostate health issues are available and real with positive results.
On the major modern methods of treating Prostate cancer, Dr. Oluwabukola identified five types with explanation on how each works.
- SURGERY: This involves removing the prostate gland often through a procedure called prostatectomy. For instance, if the cancer is localised and hasn’t spread beyond the prostate, a surgeon might perform a robotic assisted laparoscopic prostateectomy, which is a minimally invasive approach.
- Radiation Therapy: There are two main types: O External Beam Radiation O Brachytherapy (Internal Radiation). Radiation therapy is currently unavailable in Nigeria.
- Hormone Therapy: This treatment reduces the levels of Male hormones like testosterone, which Prostate cancer cells need to grow. For example, medications can block the production of these hormones. This can be administered orally or intravenously. OTR, it may involve removal of the testicles to drastically reduce testosterone.
- Chemotherapy: This involves using drugs to kill rapidly growing cancer cells. It is often used for advanced or aggressive prostate cancer that hasn’t responded to other treatments. Think of it as taking medication either orally or via an IV to target the cancer cells.
- Proton Beam Radiation: It is similar to External Beam Radiation, but instead of X-RAYS, it uses protons to target and kill cancer cells. This method can be particularly useful for treating localized prostate cancer with precision in Nigeria.
Asked to confirm if prostate cancer is actually curable going by the advanced technological breakthrough achieved in the field of medicine. Dr. Ashaolu replied:
“Cancer is a case of management. And the best way to manage cancer is early detection. Men should not ignore early symptoms of prostate cancer, such as urination issues, blood on the urine or semen, pain or discomfort in the pelvic area, erectile dysfunction (etc.) .The earlier the detection the more easier to treat. But once it has metasized, the more difficult to treat. But in general, it is still very curable only that it would involve more extra efforts on both the patient and the doctors.”
Is the diet angle really effective as it has been canvassed as a very good option? Dr. Ashaolu whose working experience has taken him to China, Singapore, India, and the United States of America was emphatic in his response: “One of the critical aspects of managing prostate health and reducing cancer risk is focusing on diet. Here are some beneficiary foods for prostate health: Tomatoes, fish, vegetables, strawberries, green tea, whole grains, Soya products, pomegranates, olive oil. A fruit-based or plant-based diet can really help.”
He went further: “We also recommend that men should avoid certain foods that have been linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer. Some of these are:
- Red and processed meats like, beef, pork, hot dogs and sausages. Studies have shown that consuming high amounts of red and processed meats may increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.
- High fat dairy products like whole milk and full fat cheeses.
- Alcohol.
- Saturated fats.
By making these dietary adjustments, individuals can contribute to better prostate health. It is essential to combine these changes with regular exercise and medical check-ups to ensure a comprehensive approach to prostate cancer prevention and management.
Why are there instances of cancer reoccurring even after such patients have completed their treatment? According to Dr. Oluwabukola Ashaolu, “When cancer reoccurs, it is an indication that there is metastasis which was not detected during diagnosis. Hence, it is important that accuracy in diagnosis is identified. And detection of metastasis is important in diagnosis of prostate cancer. Solution is accurate diagnosis of prostate cancer to avoid metastasis. Reoccurrence of the cancer needs a more accurate diagnostic procedure is made available to ascertain the extent of the metastasis. Best means for prostate diagnosis is ultrasound and MRI and not a new method called parametric. MRI is best with an accuracy rate of 92-97%. We hope this will be available in Nigeria.
On his advice for men undergoing treatment for prostate health issues, Dr. Ashaolu has these words of encouragement: “They need to know that prostate cancer has a longer Life span than most cancers. Survival rates is higher than most cancers. So they can live longer with treatments that can slow the rate of growth of the cancer.
By Tunde Olaore
