Of the 17 prostate cancer cases in 2008, Ogo said seven involved Chamorros and Carolinians, and three were Filipinos.
The figures, according to Joanne C. Ogo, program coordinator for the Comprehensive Cancer Control Program of the Department of Public Health, is increasing, but through education and awareness, prostate cancer can be beaten in the CNMI.
Ogo, who was yesterday’s guest speaker during the Rotary Club meeting at the Hyatt, said five years ago, there was no information available in the CNMI about prostate cancer but through the joint efforts of the different stakeholders, people are becoming aware and educated about it.
“More people are now voluntarily going for screenings, although sometimes, it is too late and the cancer has reached a late stage when they come in for tests,” Ogo said.
What is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, ranking as the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men in the United States. This year, an estimated 218,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and more than 32,000 men will die from this disease.
Prostate cancer occurs when a group of uncontrolled abnormal cells grow within the prostrate, a small gland below the bladder.
On Aug. 31, 2010, President Obama signed a proclamation declaring September as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.
Risk factors
Ogo said men who are 50 years old and above are the ones most at risk with prostate cancer. Aside from the age factor, those with family history are prone to prostate cancer.
“When your father, brother, uncles and other family members have prostate cancer, the possibility that you will have it too is great,” Ogo said.
The National Cancer Institute states that avoiding smoking, losing weight, maintaining a healthy diet, and exercising may help prevent certain cancers.
Warning signs
Here are some of the symptoms that you may have prostate cancer:
• Burning sensation during urination
• Blood in the urine
• The need to urinate frequently, especially at night.
• Weak or interrupted urine flow
• Inability to urinate
• Constant pain in the lower back, pelvis or upper thighs
Available screening/tests
Ogo said Public Health has very limited screening and tests available for prostate cancer.
“The CNMI is one of the underserved areas because we don’t have oncologists here to serve our hospital,” she said. The only available tests or screening here are the following:
• Health history
This is a screening conducted during triage by a nurse or a physician assistant. You will be asked about your personal and family medical history, medications that you are taking and other symptoms.
• Digital Rectal Exam
This is an examination performed by a physician through the insertion of a lubricated gloved finger into the rectum to feel the back portion of the prostrate for size and irregular or abnormal firm areas. This exam may be a little uncomfortable but it takes only a few seconds.
• Prostate Specific Antigen or PSA
This is an examination taken through blood drawn to measure the level of PSA in the body. The result of the test will help assess the likelihood of prostate cancer. This is done once a year.
Ogo said these tests/screenings can also be done at any private clinics on island at a very affordable price.
But due to the CNMI’s limited resources, Ogo said if the tests showed a possibility of prostate cancer, Public Health will refer the patient to have more tests at an off-island hospital.
“Do not be afraid to ask questions and be open to the nurses and doctors because only you know what you are going through,” Ogo said.
Get screened
Ogo said Public Health strongly urges all men who are 50 years old and above to undergo prostate cancer screening.
For the whole month, she said the Commonwealth Cancer Association will be providing health and educational exhibits to spread more awareness to the community.
For more information, they can visit or call the following:
Comprehensive Cancer Control Program at tel. no. 236-8728 or email joanne.ogo@gmail.com; Commonwealth Cancer Association at 682-0050 or email cca@ccamarianas.org; American Cancer Society at tel. no. 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org; Lance Armstrong Foundation at tel. no. 1-866-673-7205 or visit www.livestrong.org, or the Us TOO International Prostrate Cancer Education and Support Network at tel. nos. 1-800-80-USTOO (1-800-808-7866) or visit www.ustoo.org.
