This month is Prostate Cancer Prevention Month.
We have made awareness materials available so that you can help spread the message: taking care of your health is the most important commitment.
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Risk Factors:
Despite being the most common malignant tumor in men, prostate cancer differs from other types of cancer in its slow progression and the late onset of the first symptoms.
A number of factors have been identified that are associated with a higher risk of suffering from the disease:
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Age: more than 70% of cancers detected affect men aged 65;
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Genetic factors: men who have a relative with prostate cancer are more likely to suffer from this disease, especially when diagnosed before the age of 60.
The greater the number of close relatives with prostate cancer, the greater the risk of suffering from the disease; -
Environmental factors: atmospheric contamination, pollution and exposure to certain chemical substances and fertilizers, for example.
Symptoms:
Prostate cancer is characterized by its slow progression.
With this in mind, its symptoms can take years to manifest.
In any case, the symptoms associated with some cases of prostate cancer can initially manifest themselves through disturbances in urination:
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Inability to urinate;
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Urinating more frequently, especially at night;
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Urinate in small amounts;
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Having pelvic pain or urinary incontinence;
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Urinating blood
In addition to these symptoms, there may be other less frequent symptoms such as:
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Frequent pain in the lower back, hips and upper muscles;
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Pain when ejaculating;
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Presence of blood in semen
Early diagnosis
Early diagnosis is the only way to guarantee a cure for prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is a generally silent, slowly progressing and asymptomatic disease, where the appearance of symptoms can be a sign of advanced disease.
Detecting it at an early stage is essential, as it allows patients to be treated with a higher cure rate.
You should ask your doctor for advice on how to make this diagnosis.
It can be diagnosed through specific medical tests:
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Analytical (a blood test for a marker, PSA – Prostate Specific Antigen);
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Imaging (pelvic ultrasound).
This assessment can be complemented with a targeted physical examination.
These tests make it possible to detect the disease before symptoms appear, hence the importance of early screening.
If you are over 45, ask your doctor for information
Early diagnosis is fundamental for better treatment results, contributing to a higher survival rate.
