KUWAIT: The Patient Helping Fund Society together with global biopharmaceutical company, AstraZeneca, have launched a nationwide appeal for all men in Kuwait to educate themselves on prostate cancer following alarming survey results which revealed 56 percent were unable to correctly identify the symptoms of the disease.

With September marking prostate cancer awareness month across the globe, The Patient Helping Fund Society and AstraZeneca are working together through their 'Protect What's Precious initiative' to encourage men to take the time to speak to their doctor throughout the month and learn about the symptoms and risks of the second leading cause of cancer death in men worldwide.

Chairman of Patients Helping Fund Society, Dr Mohammad Al-Sharhan, said the nationwide survey, which was commissioned by AstraZeneca Gulf, involved more than 250 people in Kuwait and highlighted the need for more education on prostate cancer.

"We all know that education and awareness is vital for an early diagnosis and successful prognosis of any disease but this is especially true with prostate cancer. When it is diagnosed early, the five-year survival rate of prostate cancer is almost 100 percent3, that's why the survey results are so concerning," Dr Al-Sharhan said.

"Symptoms of prostate cancer can include a need to urinate frequently, especially at night, difficulty starting urination or holding back urine, weak or interrupted flow of urine and painful or burning urination."

"More often than not however, it's not until the more advanced stages of the disease that symptoms begin to surface. That's why it's important for men to also learn about the risk factors of prostate cancer and ensure they are regularly visiting their GP so they remain one step ahead."

According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, the older you are, the more likely you are to be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Although only 1 in 10,000 men under age 40 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, the rate shoots up to 1 in 38 for ages 40 to 59, and 1 in 14 for ages 60 to 69. Race and family history of prostate cancer can also affect a man's risk in developing the disease.4

The survey results also highlighted the fact that there was little awareness of prostate cancer screening options, with 84 percent of respondents admitting they were unaware screening existed.

Although recommendations on prostate cancer screening can vary, screening can help identify cancer early on when treatment is most effective. A normal PSA test, combined with a digital rectal exam, can help reassure you that it's unlikely you have prostate cancer5. Screening is something men between 40-70 years old should also discuss with their doctor.

"One in seven men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime6, so it is important for men to learn about both non-aggressive, slow-growing forms of prostate cancer and aggressive forms of this disease through conversations with their doctors,"Dr. Al-Sharhan said.

"Unfortunately the survey found that men avoided visiting their doctor because 54 percent believe they could fix the issue themselves and 22 percent because they are too busy but regularly going to the doctor is extremely important and even if you feel fine, you should still see your doctor for check-ups. These visits can help you avoid or better treat problems in the future."

"We hope these survey results can help men and their family realize the importance of regularly visiting their doctor and staying informed so they can take control of their health and avoid unnecessary risks," he added. Patient Helping Fund Society launched its partnership with AstraZeneca Gulf in June this year with the aim to increase awareness and education of all cancers in Kuwait through the campaign 'Protect What's Precious' which aims to aid in early detection and successful prognosis of the disease. During prostate cancer awareness month, Patient Helping Fund is encouraging all men to start regularly visiting their doctor to learn more about the disease and avoid unnecessary health risks in the future.

Speaking on its recent collaboration with Patient Helping Fund Society, Area Vice President for AstraZeneca Middle East,Samer Al-Hallaq, said: "AstraZeneca is delighted to be supporting Patient Helping Fund Society to increase awareness of prostate cancer throughout September with the 'Protect What's Precious'," he said. "We aim to encourage men to become more aware and understand the need for early detection."

5 THINGS MEN SHOULD LEARN ABOUT PROSTATE CANCER

1. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men and the second leading cause of cancer death in men worldwide.

2. Prostate cancer can occur at any age, although men 65 years and older are at higher risk.

3. Men with a family history of prostate cancer have an increased risk of developing cancer. The closer the relation, the higher the chances.

4. Obesity and smoking is linked to a higher risk of aggressive prostate cancer.

5. Symptoms of prostate cancer include:

* A need to urinate frequently, especially at night

* Difficulty starting urination or holding back urine

* Weak or interrupted flow of urine

* Painful or burning urination

* Blood in urine

* Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs Speak to your GP to find out about other prostate cancer symptoms.