Latest news with #Prostate-SpecificAntigen
The South African
3 days ago
- Health
- The South African
EXCLUSIVE: Elon Musk's father reveals life-saving prostate cancer operation
As former US President Joe Biden battles prostate cancer, Elon Musk's father has revealed for the first time his own secret diagnosis and operation – and has launched a personal mission to help men live longer by getting tested to see if they have a genetic predisposition for the disease. South African businessman Errol Musk, 79, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in early 2024 and had to have an urgent operation to have his prostate removed. The news comes on the heels of former US President Joe Biden revealing in May that he is fighting an aggressive and advanced form of prostate cancer. According to research 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. In May 2013, Hollywoord actress Angelina Jolie revealed that she had undergone a preventative double mastectomy after testing positive for a BRCA1 gene mutation, known to dramatically increase a woman's chance for developing breast and ovarian cancers. In an exclusive video interview with fellow South African entrepreneur and friend Avi Lasarow, Musk said he only found out in early 2024 after a regular check-up following open-heart surgery that had taken place years earlier. Musk speaking to South African entrepreneur Avi Lasarow. Image: Supplied In the interview, which took place before the announcement about Biden's health, Musk – who celebrated his 79th birthday on Sunday – said: 'A few years ago, I went for a medical and the flying medical doctor sort of rushed me to a cardiologist, and I had an open-heart operation as a result of that. 'I keep going back for checkups and so on. I'm all right, I had a valve repair, replacement and in my heart. 'But when I went for my checkup at the beginning of last year, they said to me, with the many blood tests they do, that I had a raised PSA [Prostate-Specific Antigen ]. Not particularly raised, but it was raised. 'I was advised to go to a urologist and have that looked at. I went to urologist and he asked me to come back, which brings me to a rather sort of comical aspect. 'I always thought when you go into see a doctor and he's going to tell you that you have cancer, that he first tells you to sit down, and maybe offers you a cup of tea and asks you, if you're comfortable, if you'd like a cushion? 'They don't do that. You've barely sat down on a hard bench chair, and they've said: 'You have cancer!' And so, after seeing the urologist, he said to me I have cancer of the prostate. 'I said: 'Well, what now, you know?' He said: 'Well, we can remove the prostate, and then we have to see what's left' 'So, I agreed and I went for this operation and they removed my prostate and also all the lymph nodes on the right side, they cleared that all out as well. 'The biopsy showed that the prostate was carcinomas. It wasn't a question of leaving it. So, it was definitely the right decision in terms of maintaining my life. They didn't suggest to me that there was an alternative. They said you must have this removed. 'And as I've been going back, I don't seem to have a problem at this point.' Musk cancelled a planned overseas trip and had the operation in July 2024, around the time then-presidential hopeful Donald Trump faced an assassination attempt and his son Elon first endorsed him. Musk admits he didn't know much about cancer. He added: 'I must say, even though I was 77 at the time, I'd really little knowledge of cancer. 'I really didn't know what cancer was. And even though I thought I did through the years, you know, picking it up, I think we sort of avoid it, avoid learning about it. And then when I started learning about it, then I started to realise 'Oh, it's simply the body shutting down certain organs with cells that do not function. 'I'm glad that I was advised to go for the checkup. In fact, I didn't have to. I was advised by the cardiologist to go and see a urologist. And I did. 'There are many times, perhaps in the past, when I think possibly, I've been advised to go and see somebody about something. But people don't do it. 'But these days, it's easier to have tests and checkups than it's been for a long time.' Errol is now encouraging men to get a DNA test early to see if they have a genetic pre-disposition to developing prostate cancer, which can then lead to getting a Prostate-Specific Antigen test to identify if they do have it. DNA testing for prostate cancer can be either germline testing (looking for inherited mutations) or tumour testing (examining changes within the cancer cells). Prostate cancers are linked to inherited genetic mutations, and testing can help determine if an individual has an increased risk due to a family history of prostate cancer or other related cancers. DNA testing can help identify individuals at high risk of prostate cancer, guide treatment decisions and provide information to relatives who may also be at risk. Some examples of genetic tests used in prostate cancer include those that analyse mutations in genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2. BRCA1 is the gene Angelina Jolie tested, which led to her decision to have a double mastectomy. Lasarow asked Musk in the interview: 'If you had known earlier that a simple DNA test could give you an indication of your pre-disposition to prostate cancer, would that encourage you to test?' Musk replied: 'Of course, absolutely. In fact, I would have preferred not to lose my prostate. I would have preferred to have had a DNA test. And the DNA test would have led me to see a doctor earlier who would have said 'let's do this, this and this', and that would have been the end of any potential cancer of the prostate. 'That would be far, far better for me, because there are quite a few downs having lost your prostate. Very few people would even be aware that there's a possibility of having these DNA tests. And my last experience with DNA tests is they cost $100 so. It's so inexpensive now that not to have a DNA test is just plain silly.' Musk said his sons took the news of his cancer calmly whilst his daughters were more upset. He said: 'So with your sons, you'd be: 'Listen, I just need to tell you, I have been diagnosed with cancer of such and such an organ.' They'd reply: 'Okay, how bad is it? I'd say: 'Well, they say, I have to have the organ removed. 'Okay,' they say. 'Do you need any money? You say: 'No' and they say: 'Okay, keep us informed.' They presume that I would tell them if it's not looking too good, you know? 'So, it's a man thing. You know, the type of communication. 'People often ask me, you know, how often do I speak to Elon, for example, and I speak to him, but it's on WhatsApp or email, and sometimes by voice. 'If I were to phone Elon and say: 'I'm just calling to ask you how your week was,' you know, Elon would say to me 'Okay, dad, so you're telling me the cancers come back.' Men are different.' 'You tell your daughters by way of a slow introduction, over about three days. You sort of talk about the subject until they finally say: 'Why are you telling us this? Have you got something wrong?' 'You say, no, no, no, no, no. And then slowly, you know, by the third day you say 'Look, I have actually got to have a part of me removed' at which point you can't continue the conversation.' Errol Musk says he felt better three months after the operation to remove his prostate. Image: Supplied He added: 'For the first six weeks, I actually felt pretty awful. You feel no strength. Your body feels weak, your legs weak, you just feel old, and you don't feel very good. 'The doctor said to me it would take 12 months after the operation before I felt all right. 'But I started to feel ok after three months I'm much better now, and I'm looking forward to getting to the 12 months.' Musk now wants to help people live longer and fuller lives. 'I would imagine that it's not far away that we will start getting breakthroughs that will tell people that under certain correct circumstances, you could exceed 100 years, and in due course, the average lifespan might be 120 years. 'Bear in mind that before the First World War, the average lifespan of a European woman was 39 years. It's now nearly 85 years. So that's double and it's possible, with the improvements that are available, the discoveries that are being made and DNA testing, people will be able to live much longer and more productive lives,' Musk said. Musk has launched – where he plans to launch a future research project and a proactive testing system that focuses on longevity and screening for genetic predisposition to illnesses and conditions. 'I feel lucky to be alive and feel fortunate my tumour was caught early, while it was still treatable – but there are so many men who are not so fortunate. 'With one in eight men set to develop prostate cancer in their lifetime, it's vital we catch it early and get them the urgent treatment they need. 'I urge all Governments to introduce national screening programs so we can ensure men get diagnosed faster and catch the cancer before it develops,' Musk said. Errol was interviewed by Avi Lasarow, a UK-based South African entrepreneur, philanthropist and campaigner who has dedicated his life to improving the health and wellness of millions of people. Avi launched life sciences diagnostic firm DNAFit and became chief executive EMEA of Prenetics, which helped to provide Covid screening during the pandemic. According to Prostate Cancer UK, in the UK: Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men More than 50 000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year More than 12 000 men die from prostate cancer every year 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime Around 510 000 men are living with or after prostate cancer According to the American Cancer Society: Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind only lung cancer. About 1 in 44 men will die of prostate cancer About 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. But each man's risk of prostate cancer can vary, based on his age, race/ethnicity, and other factors Prostate cancer is more likely to develop in older men. About 6 in 10 prostate cancers are diagnosed in men who are 65 or older, and it is rare in men under 40. The average age of men when they are first diagnosed is about 67 Prostate cancer risk is also higher in African American men and in Caribbean men of African ancestry than in men of other races The American Cancer Society's estimates for prostate cancer in the United States for 2025 are: About 313 780 new cases of prostate cancer About 35 770 deaths from prostate cancer Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Why it's tough to detect prostate cancer
Former US president 's health was a matter of intense focus while he was in office due to his episodes of forgetfulness and verbal slip-ups. But amid the speculation over his alleged cognitive decline, a far more serious illness was silently progressing inside his body. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Biden, 82, was diagnosed with prostate cancer last week, and the disease has already metastasised to his bones. His condition has been characterised by a Gleason score of 9, near the top of the 6-10 scale used to grade prostate cancer severity. 'While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management,' his office said. Usual, But Unexpected Delayed diagnosis, experts say, is common in people who skip regular health check-ups or overlook clear signs of the disease. However, they add that late detection in someone as high-profile as Biden, who was president of the US until Jan this year and, therefore, was regularly monitored by a team of doctors, is unexpected and concerning. While some have questioned whether Biden's cancer could have been detected earlier, experts stress that his doctors were likely following standard protocol. Specialists note that prostate cancer is usually easy to detect early through a simple blood test — Serum PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen). 'Early detection is possible in 99% of cases through PSA testing,' said Dr Amrendra Pathak, senior urologist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi. However, PSA screening isn't routinely recommended for men over 70, as the risk of overdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment may outweigh the benefits, according to reports on Medium, the online publishing platform. Leading medical bodies — including the US Preventive Services Task Force and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network — recommend discontinuing routine PSA testing after a certain age, unless the patient is in exceptionally good health. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Given Biden's age and prior treatment for an enlarged prostate, the absence of a PSA test during his 2024 physical appears to be in line with the guidelines. A Tricky Customer Even with regular screening, however, prostate cancer can evade early detection. In some cases, the disease is metastatic from the outset, leaving no window for early diagnosis. In others, it may progress rapidly between PSA tests or fail to trigger elevated PSA levels at all. Studies also show that roughly 15% of men with prostate cancer may have normal PSA levels, especially since what is considered a 'normal' range increases with age. Dr Manav Suryavanshi, senior consultant and head of the urology division at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Faridabad added: 'PSA is a critical marker, and in men who are predisposed to prostate cancer — due to family history, genetic mutations like BRCA1/2, or ethnicity — stricter and more frequent screening protocols are essential. In most clinical cases, if these protocols are followed rigorously, prostate cancer is usually detected at an early, localised stage where treatment is not only effective but also potentially curative. ' In early stages, when the disease is localised to the prostate, it can be cured by surgically removing the gland. But doctors say if it reaches a locally advanced stage, that is, if it spreads outside of the prostate gland into nearby tissues, multimodal therapy including surgery, radiotherapy, and hormonal treatment is required. Prostate cancer in India is on the rise, with nearly five lakh new cases being reported every year, said Dr Harit Chaturvedi, chairman, Max Institute of Cancer Care. The burden is expected to rise further due to population growth, increasing life expectancy, and an aging male population in the country.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
County offering free screening important for men
LISBON, Ohio (WKBN) – The Columbiana County Health District is hosting a clinic to screen men for prostate cancer. The District is offering Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) screening, which is a blood test that measures the amount of PSA in the bloodstream. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland. Elevated levels of PSA could be indicative of prostate cancer. The test is important for men 50 and older. Black men and men with a family history should get the test a little earlier at 45, due to a higher risk of prostate cancer in those demographics. An elevated PSA is not always a sign of cancer, but it's important to have it checked to rule it out. The clinic is free, but there is a $25 fee for those living outside the Columbiana County Health District, including Salem and East Liverpool, or outside Columbiana County. The clinic is set for Tuesday, June 10, from 1-5 p.m. at the District office, 7360 State Route 45, Lisbon. Appointments are required. To schedule your screening, please call 330-424-0272, ext. 114. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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First Post
6 days ago
- Health
- First Post
Beyond age: Why genetics and lifestyle matter in prostate cancer risk
Prostate cancer is the fourth most common cancer among men in India. Often symptomless in its early stages, it is highly treatable when detected promptly. Firstpost shares expert insights on symptoms, diagnosis, risk factors, and the crucial role of early screening. read more Prostate cancer , one of the most common cancers affecting men, has been steadily increasing in India particularly in urban areas. Though often symptomless in its early stages, the disease can lead to serious complications if not detected and treated in time. With awareness still limited among many men, understanding the symptoms, risk factors and treatment options is crucial. Firstpost spoke to Dr Trinanjan Basu, HOD & Senior Consultant—Radiation Oncology at HCG Cancer Centre (Borivali) to learn more about prostate cancer's prevalence, diagnosis and how timely intervention can improve survival rates. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What is prostate cancer and how prevalent is it in men in India? Dr Basu: Prostate cancer affects the prostate gland, a part of the male reproductive system. It is a male-specific cancer, typically occurring in older men. In India, it ranks as the fourth most common cancer among men, especially in metropolitan cities. According to cancer registries, the incidence is about 10 cases per 1 lakh male population in urban areas, with a consistent upward trend over the past decade. Watch also: Former US President Joe Biden Diagnosed with Aggressive Prostate Cancer | Firstpost America | N18G What are the initial signs and symptoms of prostate cancer ? Dr Basu: Early-stage prostate cancer is usually asymptomatic, making regular screening essential. When symptoms do appear, they often involve changes in urinary habits, such as increased frequency or urgency, difficulty in urination, blood in urine, nighttime urination, and reduced bladder capacity. These symptoms should never be ignored, especially in elderly men. How is prostate cancer diagnosed? What tests are typically performed? Dr Basu: Diagnosis typically begins with a Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) to check for abnormalities in the prostate. If suspicion arises, further tests include MRI of the prostate and a prostate biopsy to confirm cancer presence. The Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test is commonly used for initial screening and monitoring. These tests help determine the stage and aggressiveness of the cancer. What are the key risk factors for developing prostate cancer? Dr Basu: Age is a major risk factor, with most diagnoses occurring between ages 70 and 75. Genetics also play a role—men with a family history of prostate cancer or known BRCA gene mutations are at higher risk and should consider early screening starting between ages 40 and 45. While lifestyle and ethnicity influence risk, they were not specifically addressed here. What happens if prostate cancer is left untreated? Dr Basu: Without diagnosis or treatment, prostate cancer can progress from a localized condition to advanced or metastatic stages, severely worsening the prognosis. Once it reaches the hormone-refractory or castration-resistant phase, treatment options decline and the average survival drops to 15–20 months. Advanced stages are associated with serious complications and reduced quality of life. What treatment options are available at different stages of prostate cancer? Dr Basu: Treatment varies by stage and risk category. Active surveillance may be appropriate for very early-stage (Stage 1) cancer, especially in older men. For Stage 2 and beyond, options include surgery, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, or combinations thereof. Chemotherapy may be used in advanced cases. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are critical for better outcomes. Can prostate cancer be cured? What are the survival rates? Dr Basu: Prostate cancer is highly curable, particularly when detected early. Stage 1 patients are often monitored without immediate treatment. Stage 2 has about an 85% cure rate, Stage 3 around 70%, and Stage 4 less than 40%. Hormone sensitivity also affects outcomes; once cancer becomes castration-resistant, treatment efficacy declines significantly. How does age affect treatment decisions and outcomes? Dr Basu: Age is a key factor in treatment planning and prognosis. With a median diagnosis age of 70–75, screening beyond 70 can still be beneficial. Younger patients with early-stage disease generally respond better to treatment and have longer survival, while older patients may receive more conservative treatment depending on overall health and comorbidities. What role do lifestyle factors play in preventing or reducing recurrence of prostate cancer? Dr Basu: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important for overall health, although prostate cancer is not directly linked to diet as some other cancers are. Diets high in red meat, fats, or those causing hormonal imbalance, such as low zinc intake or high saturated fats may increase risk and should be avoided. Exercise, combining aerobic and anaerobic activities, improves quality of life and helps counter the side effects of hormone therapy like cholesterol imbalance and bone density loss. Higher body mass index, especially abdominal obesity, is associated with increased risk due to hormonal effects. Overall, a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and healthy weight management are key preventive strategies. How important is early detection and how can men be encouraged to get screened? Dr Basu: Early detection is crucial for high cure rates and avoiding aggressive treatments. The PSA blood test should be recommended for all men over 50, and earlier (around 40–45 years) for those with a family history or genetic risks. Raising public awareness, encouraging regular health check-ups, and educating men about symptoms and screening methods can significantly improve early diagnosis and save lives.
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First Post
24-05-2025
- Health
- First Post
Doctor explains: Lifestyle changes alone won't stop prostate cancer — here's what else is needed
Prostate cancer, one of the most common cancers among men, has come under renewed focus amid rising cases globally and in India. Public figures like Joe Biden have brought attention to the disease, which often presents no early symptoms. Firstpost brings out an expert's opinion on various aspects of the disease. read more Illustration depicting a cross-section of the prostate gland affected by cancerous cells. It highlights the abnormal tissue growth and potential spread to surrounding areas, using color-coding to differentiate healthy and cancerous tissues. This is an AI-generated image. The recent revelation of former US President Joe Biden's aggressive prostate cancer diagnosis has once again brought the spotlight to one of the most common cancers affecting older men. While prostate cancer is often treatable, Biden's case highlights the complexities of diagnosis and the importance of timely screening, even for those who undergo regular health checkups. Experts now question whether warning signs might have been missed and whether current screening guidelines need to be re-evaluated. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Prostate cancer, which affects over 300,000 men annually in the US is no longer rare in India either. Rising incidence in younger age groups, especially men in their early 50s, signals a shift in disease patterns that warrants urgent attention. Firstpost spoke with Dr Sajjan Rajpurohit, Senior Director – Medical Oncology, BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital to discuss various aspects such as detection, awareness, prevention and management of prostate cancer. What is Prostate Cancer? Prostate cancer develops when cells within the prostate gland begin to grow uncontrollably. This small gland, located beneath the bladder and in front of the rectum, is responsible for producing seminal fluid. It's a common malignancy; it's estimated that 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. In India, the incidence rate is also on the rise, attributed to increased awareness and improved diagnostic capabilities. Early signs and symptoms In its initial stages, prostate cancer often presents no symptoms, making early detection challenging without screening. However, as the disease progresses, men may experience: *Frequent urination, particularly at night *Difficulty starting or stopping urination *Weak or interrupted urine flow *Painful urination or ejaculation *Blood in urine or semen *Persistent pain in the back, hips, or pelvis Men must be aware of these symptoms and consult a healthcare professional if they arise. How is it diagnosed? Diagnosis typically involves a combination of tests: PSA Test: The Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test measures PSA levels in the blood. Elevated levels can indicate prostate cancer or other prostate conditions. Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): A doctor performs a DRE to manually examine the prostate gland through the rectal wall, checking for any abnormalities. MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) provides detailed images of the prostate and surrounding tissues, helping to pinpoint suspicious areas. Biopsy: If initial tests suggest cancer, a biopsy is performed to confirm the diagnosis. This procedure involves taking small tissue samples from the prostate for microscopic examination. Major risk factors Several factors can increase a man's risk of developing prostate cancer: Age: The risk increases significantly after age 50. Genetics: A family history of prostate cancer, especially in close relatives, can elevate risk. Lifestyle: Diets rich in red meat and dairy products, along with obesity, may contribute to increased risk. Ethnicity: Prostate cancer is notably more common in African American men compared to men of other ethnicities. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Progression and treatment options If untreated, prostate cancer can advance from a localized disease to an advanced stage, potentially spreading to nearby tissues and distant organs, leading to severe complications like bone pain and fractures. This underscores the importance of early detection and treatment. Treatment options vary based on the cancer's stage: Active Surveillance: For low-risk, localized cases, doctors might recommend monitoring without immediate intervention. Surgery: Radical prostatectomy, the surgical removal of the prostate gland and some surrounding tissue, is often recommended for localized cancer. Radiation Therapy: This method uses high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells, either as a primary treatment or post-surgery. Hormone Therapy: This approach aims to lower male hormone levels that can fuel cancer growth, frequently used for advanced prostate cancer. Chemotherapy: For advanced cases, chemotherapy may be employed to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells throughout the body. Recent advancements, including targeted therapies and immunotherapy, are also showing considerable promise in improving patient outcomes. Can it be cured? Prostate cancer can often be cured, particularly when caught early. Survival rates for localized prostate cancer are very high, with nearly 100% of men surviving five years after diagnosis. However, survival rates decline for advanced stages, reinforcing the critical importance of early detection and timely treatment. Age and treatment decisions A patient's age significantly influences treatment decisions. Older individuals may have different health considerations, potentially leading to a choice for less aggressive treatments, while younger patients might opt for curative approaches. A thorough discussion with a healthcare provider is essential to determine the most suitable strategy for individual circumstances. Role of lifestyle in prevention and recurrence Lifestyle factors play a substantial role in both preventing prostate cancer and reducing its recurrence risk. Maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, combined with regular exercise and a healthy weight can help lower risk. Additionally, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption are vital preventive measures. Importance of early detection Early detection is paramount for successful prostate cancer treatment outcomes. Men, especially those at higher risk due to age or family history, should be encouraged to discuss screening options with their healthcare providers. Regular screenings, including PSA tests and DREs, can help identify the disease in its most treatable stages.
