To raise awareness in the community about the importance of early detection of prostate cancer, tomorrow, Tuesday, June 11, the Cancer Observatory, MEDS Clinic, Pfizer and the Regional Government of Antofagasta will carry out the campaign #Dare yourself, which seeks to promote the taking of prostate antigen in men from 40 years of age.
In this opportunity400 free blood tests will be carried out for the early detection of this pathology, intended for men who attend the activation on the Arturo Prat pedestrian promenade (San Martín corner), where they will also receive medical advice and educational material on the subject.
Marcelo Kerkebe, Urologist at Clínica MEDS, points out that prostate cancer is relevant at the national level since it represents more than 9,000 new diagnoses per year and is associated with approximately 2,700 deaths annually.
In this context, the Regional Governor of Antofagasta, Ricardo Díaz, expresses that “the health of our community is a priority for us. Given the worrying increase in cancer pathologies in our region, the Regional Government is committed to providing constant and effective support, supporting activities and programs dedicated to the prevention, early detection and treatment of cancer.”
Regarding the implementation of this campaign in Antofagasta, the director of the Cancer Observatory, Alicia Aravena, points out that “we want to invite all men in the region to take advantage of this opportunity to have this free exam. “Prevention and early detection are crucial to reduce mortality figures and improve the quality of life of patients in the region.”
For his part, Chris Ariyan, Country Manager for the Pfizer Andean Cluster, explains that “it is essential to raise awareness about the importance of having a prostate exam, especially for those people over 40 years of age and according to what their doctor recommends. This simple checkup can make a big difference in our health. Detecting any irregularity in time gives us the opportunity to face the disease with more options and better results.”
Why prostate antigen?
Until the 1990s, the only way to detect prostate cancer was through a digital rectal examination. But since then and until now, there is a blood test called prostatic antigen, which detects the levels of possible cancer. The bell dare yourself promotes the visibility of this test and its incorporation into preventive controls.
Dr. Kerkebe recognizes that men’s greatest fear when faced with the possibility of facing this disease is the rectal examination. He cautions that the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is used initially:
“Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men, and early detection is key to successful treatment. The PSA test is used as an initial screening tool, but it is important to note that it is not a definitive diagnosis of cancer. The decision to perform additional testing or begin treatment should be made by the doctor and the patient, taking into account individual risk factors and specific circumstances.”
Furthermore, the specialist highlights that to carry out this examination it is essential to meet the following requirements during the previous 24 hours: not having performed vigorous exercise or sexual activity and not having attended the urologist for a digital rectal examination between 24 and 48 hours. before, so that the prostate antigen is not altered.
