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A report published in the magazine The Lancet estimated that in less than two decades there will be 2.9 million patients with this tumor. The increase in deaths will be 85% until reaching 700,000.
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This June 11th commemorates the World Prostate Cancer Day in order to increase awareness of this prevalent cancer in men, specifically in those over 65 years of age.
According to the High Cost Account, until January 2024, 65,333 prevalent cases were reported in men aged 65 and older.
Luis Salgado, urologist oncologist and coordinator of the urology service at the Colombia University Clinic, explains that this cancer, although serious, can be treated, and curable, in its initial stages.
“Let’s not forget that it is a disease that is not equal to the death sentence, it is a disease that is curable and treatable in the initial stages,” says Salgado.
What is the goal of the treatment? The old doctor that is “individualize and personalize each stage of the disease that is different for each diagnosis of man.”
The reality of each patient is different, so the multidisciplinary approach allows the intervention of specialties such as: oncological nursing, psychology, urology and oncological urology, radiotherapy, genetics and uropathology approaches.
Symptoms
Prostate cancer has no symptoms in its early stages, so once symptoms begin it may already be advanced.
In addition, the symptoms can be nonspecific, Dr. Salgado shares some examples such as “changes in the way you urinate, blood in the urine, but when it becomes a much more severe or advanced issue we can have joint pain, bone pain, which we can be diagnosed at an unfortunately later stage.”
Not only is it necessary to get a checkup when symptoms occur, but it is important to seek regular care as a preventive measure.
There are two groups of patients, those who have a medical history and those who do not have close relatives with prostate cancer or risk factors.
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For Salgado, the diagnosis of prostate cancer can be complex, but “it is satisfying to see how a family goes through diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Even in advanced stages, the goal is to manage symptoms and provide an adequate quality of life.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, other warning symptoms are:
1. Problems urinating
2. Decrease in the strength of urine flow
3. Blood in urine
4. Blood in semen
5. Bone pain
6. Weight loss without trying
7. Erectile dysfunction
