2023-11-29 19:18:01
On November 29, the National Day to Fight Prostate Cancera date that seeks to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and prevention of this disease that affects thousands of men in Mexico and around the world.
This type of cancer originates when a cell within the prostate grows uncontrollably. This gland is responsible for producing part of the liquid that makes up the semen, describes, the American Cancer Society.
Prostate cancer is leading cause of illness and death in Mexico. Globally, it ranks second among the most common types of cancer and is the fifth cause of death in men, according to data from the Global Cancer Observatory (GCO). These statistics highlight the need to address this serious health issue.
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Why should it be detected early?
Starting at age 40, men should undergo annual checkups, especially if they have a family history of prostate cancer. Early detection is essential as it offers a 98% survival rate when cancer is detected in initial stages. In contrast, survival is drastically reduced to 30% when detected in advanced stages.
On the other hand, the Ministry of Health reports that more than 25,000 cases of prostate cancer are detected in Mexico each year, and Unfortunately, more than 7,500 people die due to this disease. 65% of cases are diagnosed in men over 65 years of age.
Why is it so difficult to detect breast cancer in its early stages?
Although high levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA) may indicate the presence of prostate cancer, there is no specific value that guarantees the diagnosis. Levels considered normal are less than 0.4 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml), but vary depending on age:
From 40 to 49 years: 0 to 2.5 ng/ml. From 50 to 59 years: 0 to 3.5 ng/ml. From 60 to 69 years: 0 to 4.5 ng/ml. From 70 to 79 years: 0 to 6.5 ng/ml. ml.
Symptoms of prostate cancer
Most men with prostate cancer have no obvious symptoms. However, early detection relies on tests such as the PSA blood test, clinical prostate examination (rectal examination), ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and biopsy.
To evaluate the degree of cellular differentiation in prostate cancer, the Gleason score, qIt is obtained through a biopsy. Scores range from 1 to 10 and determine the aggressiveness of the cancer:
Score 1 to 6: Well differentiated. Score 7: Moderately differentiated. Score 8, 9 or 10: Little differentiated or undifferentiated.
Treatments and side effects of treatments to prevent prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is classified into four clinical stages that indicate its degree of spread:
Stage I: Initial growth, usually slow growing. Stage II: Risk of growth and spread. Stage III: Advanced growth and risk of spread. Stage IV: Spread outside the prostate.
Treatments include teletherapy, brachytherapy, chemotherapy and surgery. However, these treatments can have side effects such as hair loss, pain, nausea, edema, among others.
Many men avoid seeking medical attention due to fear of a positive diagnosis, concern about the loss of masculinity and lack of knowledge about the symptoms. Early detection is key to survival, but it is also important to address the emotional and psychological impact of cancer.
For this reason, PiSA Farmacéutica promotes regular medical care, prevention and the adoption of a healthy lifestyle to reduce the chances of prostate cancer.
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