What Dennis Hopper's Death Can Teach Us About Prostate Cancer
When Dennis Hopper died of prostate cancer at age 74, my husband asked me, "Hey, I thought prostate cancer didn't kill men and it is slow growing." Well, he is right about it usually being slow growing, but prostate cancer is still the 2nd leading cause of cancer death in men. His question made me realize that there are some facts that everyone should know about prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is very rare in men under age 40, and the incidence increases with age. African-American men are at higher risk, and Asian and Latin men are less likely than white guys to get it. We do not know why these ethnic differences occur. Family history is important, and men with an affected brother or father are twice as likely to get prostate cancer. Although genes are undoubtedly responsible, there are no genetic tests that can predict it. Some studies show obese men and men who eat large quantities of red meat and dairy products are more at risk. A vasectomy doesn't seem to matter, nor does exercise or prior prostatitis.
Prostate cancer grows slowly, and the PSA (prostate specific antigen) test or a digital rectal exam can screen for an enlarged prostate. The PSA test can be false positive for many reasons, and the only way to diagnose suspected prostate cancer is by a biopsy. The most important marker for a cancer in the prostate is the "Gleason" score. This grade (1-10) tells us how advanced or aggressive the cancer is. The pathologist can see if the cells are suspicious for atypical changes or are high-grade. The extent of the tumor determines the stage.
Once a cancer has been diagnosed, graded and staged, the confusing choices of treatment come into play. Because most prostate cancer occurs in older men and it is slow growing, many men choose "watchful waiting". By following PSA tests and ultrasounds, we can determine if the cancer is growing. For many men, nothing more needs to be done, because the cancer causes them no problems. For younger men or men with high Gleason scores, treatment is usually surgical removal of the prostate or radiation of the prostate gland. Radiotherapy can also occur with seed implantation of radioactive material. Hormone therapy or cryoablation is also used less often.
The Prostate Cancer Foundation and the Mayo Clinic have more good info if you wish to delve further.
RIP, Dennis Hopper. I think I'll take a stroll down memory lane and rent "Easy Rider" again. I haven't seen it for 40 years!
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I have prostate cancer and it was graded 9/10 on the Gleason rating...they gave me 18 months to live in 2004. I had the radical prostatectomy but after 24 months they detected (through PSA tests) a spike in the score and I was radiated for 7 weeks daily except weekends and since then I have been clear. However, it's important that people and especially women get to learn about it and its implications especially when it comes to the man's sexual capacity.
Why women?
Well the truth of the matter is that chances are that sometime, somewhere, somehow most women will be affected by this prevalent cancer which makes up roughly 30% of all cancers and together with breast cancer is responsible for over 60% of all cancers. Ladies, whether it is your husband, son or father , you need to get to grips with the reality of prostate cancer. In the United States of America alone 186 000 men will contract this form of cancer each year
The prostate gland requires male hormones, known as androgens, to work properly. Androgens include testosterone, which is made in the testes; dehydroepiandrosterone, made in the adrenal glands; and dihydrotestosterone, which is converted from testosterone within the prostate itself. Androgens are also responsible for secondary sex characteristics such as facial hair and increased muscle mass. Women who suffer from excessive facial hair may indeed have an excess of the male hormones as well.
To have an erection and secret semen during intercourse, the prostate plays a key role. The gland is surrounded by nerve endings which stimulate the blood circulation system leading to erections. Damage of these nerves will damage the man’s capacity to get a hard on! .
Depending upon your age and other issues such as having children etc it is normally advisable to get the cancer OUT of the system. Trying to protect your sexual capacity through some treatments such as the Bracchi while often successful, may in the long run be fatal...but consult your doctor and speak to the woman /life partner in your life about all the options.
BTW, Dan Fogelberg's "Sometimes a Song" was made available after his death for download, with proceeds going to prostatic cancer research :
http://www.prostatecancerfoundation.org/site/c.itIWK2OSG /b.3989947/k.AD2D/Dan_Fogelberg_Song.htm
Sad to hear about Dennis Hopper. I thought his performance in "Apocalypse Now" was pretty good, too.
Same cancer took the life of Dan Fogelberg a few years back. Didn't hear much about his passing, but he was much younger than Dennis Hopper.
I had the PSA blood test done recently. My doctor said if it was negative we didn't need to do the "other" test. Fortunately, it did come back negative.
Absolutely worth having the tests done.
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I just had my annual PSA check up. I had radical surgery 3 1/2 years ago. My PSA has been undetectable since.
I asked my urologist about Dennis Hopper. He was not familar with the situation, but said that his doctor may have only done a PSA and did not palpate the prostrate. You may have a low PSA and still have problems. If the doctor does not do a DRE, you should find out why.