Men speaking out on health
December 2, 2010
AUSTRALIAN men suffering
from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
may mistake their symptoms as a
natural part of ageing, according
to experts at GlaxoSmithKline’s
BPH media briefing in Sydney
today.
BHP is a non-cancerous
enlargement of the prostate gland,
and whilst it is not generally life
threatening, it is a progressive
disease whose lower urinary tract
symptoms may be “significant”.
If left untreated BHP can lead to
acute urinary retention and surgery.
“Many men do not seek help
until their symptoms become
intolerable or there is a medical
emergency,” said Henry Woo,
Associate Professor of Surgery at
Sydney University.
The briefing was held in the
wake of GSK receiving Australian
marketing approval for Avodart
(dutasteride) in combination with
an alpha-blocker for men
diagnosed with symptomatic
benign prostatic hyperplasia.
“Combination therapy has been
proven to positively alter the risk of
disease progression and leads to
reduction in significant events such
as acute urinary retention and
need for surgery,” Woo added.
MEANWHILE GSK also revealed
the results of its Health Index
Study, which involved 1005 men
and 1003 women, and found that
women are key in driving men to
see the doctor.
According to the study results
70% of men suffering symptoms
below the belt confided in their
partner, whilst 69% of these men
consulted their doctor after
prompting from their partner.
On a more alarming note, 34%
of men admitted to not knowing
where their prostate was, and 20%
of men admitted to having no idea
about health issues including
prostate cancer, bowel cancer and
benign prostatic hyperplasia.
“It’s time for men to take action
and see a doctor about any
symptoms they may be
experiencing,” said Dr Camilla
Chong, Medical Director, GSK.
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