Doctors and patients stress the need for men over the age of 50 to undergo checks to exclude prostate cancer, the most common cancer among men in Spain. One campaign highlights the importance of early diagnosis, which can result in a survival rate of more than 90%.
<img width="1170" height="752" class="attachment-newpress-featured-large size-newpress-featured-large wp-post-image lazyload" alt="“Hablemos de tiempo”: la importancia del diagnóstico precoz en el cáncer de próstata" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" data-attachment-id="360419" data-permalink="https://efesalud.com/cancer-prostata-diagnostico-medicos-pacientes-campana-visibilidad/principal-2/" data-orig-file="https://efesalud.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/principal.jpg" data-orig-size="1920,1257" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"4","credit":"David Fernandez","camera":"Canon EOS 5D Mark IV","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1730915179","copyright":"","focal_length":"24","iso":"4000","shutter_speed":"0.004","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="cancer prostata oncologia" data-image-description="
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Doctors and patients participated in the conference organized by Johnson&Johnson, in collaboration with GEPAC and ANCAP/EFE/David Fernández
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Doctors and patients participated in the conference organized by Johnson&Johnson, in collaboration with GEPAC and ANCAP/EFE/David Fernández
“Let’s talk about time, let’s talk about prostate” is the name of the initiative and the day organized by the pharmaceutical company Johnson & Johnsonin collaboration with the Association for Prostate Cancer (ANCAP) and the Spanish Group of Cancer Patients (GEPAC), in which doctors and patients analyzed the best way to deal with this tumor, namely early diagnosis.
Precisely early diagnosis and achieving greater awareness and visibility among the male population are some of the keys and challenges against prostate cancer.
Last year they were diagnosed in Spain more than 30,000 new cases of this tumorand was responsible for a total of 6,011 deaths.
A blood test
For this reason, the campaign aims to convince men to normalize consultations with their doctor or urologist in order to detect prostate cancer in time.
With a simple blood test it is possible to measure the levels of PSA, a substance present in the blood produced by prostate cells, and if a higher than normal quantity is detected it can raise the suspicion that there is prostate cancer.
However, the presence of an elevated PSA in the blood does not mean that there is prostate cancer, since it could be due to other pathologies such as benign prostatic hyperplasia of large volumes or infections, among others.
Suspicions
Doctors and patients agree on the importance of men over 50 (or over 45 if they have a history) undergoing screening for early detection of prostate cancer.
The day, the medical oncologist of the San Carlos Clinical Hospital in Madrid Ignacio Moreno highlighted this point and the need for men to “listen to themselves” and pay attention to their symptoms in order to seek medical attention, even though it is a tumor that presents non-specific and silent symptoms.
The most common symptoms are burning or discomfort during urination, decreased force in expelling urine, increased need to urinate and sensation of incomplete emptying of the bladder, among others.
The urologist of the Gómez Ulla Defense University Hospital Laura Sánchez highlighted that early diagnosis improves survival data. However, he celebrated that in recent years there has been progress in research also in relation to the most serious phases.
Increase visibility
That’s why, of the Pharmacy service of the La Paz University Hospital of Madrid, Luis González sent a message of hope for progress in treatment and urged patients to take the drug.
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From left to right) doctors Ignacio Moreno, Laura Sánchez, Luis González, Sandra Fernández and the director of EFEsalud, Javier Tovar, during the event. EFE/David Fernández.
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“The challenge is visibility, we need to continue to increase it,” he noted. the doctor of the radiation oncology service of the 12 de Octubre University Hospital Sandra Fernándezwho urged us to break the stigma of prostate cancer, linked “to the false idea of loss of virility”.
Screening, patient requests
The representatives of ANCAP who spoke, Santiago Gómez and César Comuñas, and GEPAC Marcos Martínez they called for population screening for prostate cancer.
“Early diagnosis saves lives and reduces costs,” emphasized Gómez.
The patients underlined that, unlike women who “are more used” to going to the gynecologist, men are not in the habit of going to the urologist, which is why they insisted that after a certain age they turn to the doctor.
David Beas, director of government affairs at Johnson & Johnsonpointed out that early diagnosis is estimated to impact survival by 95%, then stressed, “Let’s get things done in time.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cj6EDQ0b9Ak[/embed>
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Ignacio Moreno on Prostate Cancer Awareness
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Moreno! Thank you for joining us today to discuss a crucial health issue affecting so many men. Prostate cancer has become the most common cancer among men in Spain, particularly impacting those over the age of 50. Can you start by explaining why it’s essential for this group to undergo regular screenings?
Dr. Ignacio Moreno: Thank you for having me! Absolutely, the key takeaway is that early diagnosis saves lives. Prostate cancer can often be asymptomatic, especially in its early stages, which underscores the importance of regular check-ups. By initiating screenings at age 50, or earlier for those with a family history, we can significantly increase the chances of early detections, which correspondingly leads to a survival rate of over 90%.
Time.news Editor: It’s staggering to think about those survival rates. You mentioned that the cancer often presents no specific symptoms initially. What signs should men be on the lookout for, and when should they seek medical advice?
Dr. Moreno: Yes, definitely! While prostate cancer can be silent initially, there are some symptoms that could signal a problem. Men should pay close attention to any burning or discomfort during urination, a weaker urine flow, or an increased need to urinate, especially at night. If they notice these symptoms persistently, I advise them to consult their doctor promptly. Listening to their bodies is crucial.
Time.news Editor: Talking about consultations, there’s an ongoing campaign emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and visibility. Can you elaborate on the role of this campaign and how it aims to increase awareness among men?
Dr. Moreno: The campaign, titled “Let’s talk about time, let’s talk about prostate,” encourages men to normalize discussions about prostate health. We aim to break the stigma surrounding these consultations. Many men feel embarrassed or shy about discussing prostate symptoms, but we want them to understand that early detection is a significant factor in successful treatment outcomes. By engaging in candid conversations and promoting educational initiatives, we hope to empower men to take charge of their health.
Time.news Editor: It seems like a multifaceted approach is necessary for tackling this health issue. How does research play into this initiative? What recent advances have been made concerning prostate cancer?
Dr. Moreno: Research has come a long way in understanding prostate cancer and its more aggressive forms. For instance, new treatments are being developed that target specific malignancies more effectively with fewer side effects. Additionally, advancements in genetic research are also leading to tailored therapies that consider the patient’s genetic background, thus improving the precision of treatments. This information unites us as a community of healthcare providers to foster a hopeful environment for patients navigating their treatment journey.
Time.news Editor: That’s encouraging to hear! There’s a lot of good work being done in this field. Lastly, what message would you like to convey to men out there who might be hesitant to get screened?
Dr. Moreno: My message is simple: make your health a priority! Fear and stigma should never compromise your well-being. Prostate cancer is manageable, and taking proactive steps can lead to finding it early. Regular screenings are key—don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Seek out your healthcare provider and have those essential conversations. Remember, early detection can lead to life-saving treatment and a better overall outlook.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Moreno, for sharing your insights and emphasizing the importance of awareness and early diagnosis of prostate cancer. We appreciate your time and advocacy in this critical area of men’s health.
Dr. Moreno: Thank you for having me. It’s vital to spread this information, and I appreciate the opportunity to contribute to such an important discussion!