"I was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the age of 50," says Ohad (alias), member of the Israel Cancer Association's prostate cancer support group. I was diagnosed 18 years ago. Because I have a genetic predisposition in my family background, I was under close check up and the cancer was detected by my family physician during a palpation examination. I underwent surgery to remove the prostate, which may cause erectile dysfunction, which luckily I did not experience, and urinary incontinence, an unpleasant, severe condition most men suffer from, usually discreetly. The ICA's support group helps us to cope with the challenges and fears together, which makes it easier to handle them, especially the loneliness."
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Prostate cancer is the most prevalent cancer disease among men in Israel, mainly among older men. Prostate cancer incidences are rarely diagnosed before the age of 50. While half of the older men suffer incontinence problems, only 1 out of 9 older men will develop prostate cancer. However, some of the symptoms are similar in both conditions, therefore it is important to get checked.
Moshe Bar-Haim, ICA CEO:
"Prostate cancer is most prevalent cancer among men in Israel. It is mainly common among older men. The Ministry of Health's directives as to early detection of prostate cancer do not include a recommended screening test for prostate cancer detection, since it has not yet been proven as the most efficient way to reduce prostate cancer morbidity.
According to various health organizations, among them The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), the recommendation for men age 70 and up, who are at high risk (family history of a father, brother or son who developed prostate cancer), is to consult the physician regarding the advantages and disadvantages of conducting early detection tests for prostate cancer." The ICA Recommendations for Reducing the Risk of Developing Prostate Cancer:Studies have shown that adopting a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of developing different types of cancer, including prostate cancer. The ICA recommends the male population to reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer in the following ways:
The Ministry of Health and ICA guidelines for early detection of prostate cancer do not include an all-encompassing recommendation for screening. However, the ICA does recommend paying attention to symptoms requiring medical attention. The main symptom requiring examination is difficulty in urinating. In addition, one or more of the following symptoms may occur: