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Prostate cancer is increasingly becoming a health issue for men in PNG the general male population in the world today. According to WHO, cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020. It’s more common than you think. Prostate cancer is the most common type of nonskin cancer among men, according to the National Cancer Institute, and the second leading cause of death by cancer in men, after lung cancer. The statistics are evident in our communities today that Prostate Cancer has been on the rise.
To get an understanding of the seriousness of this disease, Dr. Chalau explains to us who is at risk of getting prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is a disease that only affects the male as the prostate is a male organ found in the male reproductive anatomy. The prostate gland isn’t essential for life, but it is vital for reproduction. The function of the prostate is to produce a slightly alkaline fluid — called the prostatic fluid — that makes up part of the seminal fluid, or semen.
Prostate cancer is predominantly found in males around 60 years of age and over. However, the risks of potentially developing this disease can begin in a male in his late 40s or early 50s. It happens rarely in males who are less than 40 years of age. Although one may have this disease, it becomes apparent usually at the age of 60 and over.
This is the first part of a 3-part series on the topic of Prostate Cancer.
Article by: Dr Polapoi Chalau
Dr Polapoi Chalau
Dr. Polapoi Chalau joined Paradise Private Hospital in 2016 as their Medical Director with many years of experience working in senior medical leadership and health management in the public sector. He served as the CEO of Angau General Hospital in Lae for 7 years (2006-2014) and previously as the Chief Surgeon of PNG & Specialist advisor to the National Health Department (1993-2010).
Dr. Chalau’s many achievements include serving as the Honorary Senior Lecturer in Surgery at the University of PNG and was instrumental in setting up highly specialized training for surgeons at the country’s medical school. He holds a master’s in business administration- Executive (EMBA) from PNG University of Technology, Masters in Surgery, and a Bachelor’s in Medicine and Surgery from the University of PNG (UPNG).
Dr. Polapoi Chalau hails from Loamat Village – Rambutso Island in the Manus Province and is married with six children.
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CIG in partnership with Paradise Private Hospital (PPH) brings to their community, the Wellness Hub. A Hub that provides their clients and members of their community access to vital information on health and wellness issues affecting their community and useful information to help make better health and lifestyle choices.
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