These are early symptoms that can be easy to ignore – but are critical for an early diagnosis of this disease.
O prostate cancer It is one of the most common problems among men. It is a dominant tumor in men.
Em Portugal it’s really the second leading cause of death from cancer in men over 50 years of age, according to the Portuguese Urology Association.
In Portugal around 21% of cancers are prostate, with estimates pointing to around 6 thousand new cases per year, with mortality between 1,500 and 2,000 men per year.
But there is a serious problem with this disease (as with others, it should be said): many men they don’t even realize that they have prostate cancer.
A study carried out in the United Kingdom shows that 76% of men are unaware of the signs of prostate cancer. What’s more: 25% cannot even identify any symptoms.
Furthermore, almost half of men do not know how to locate the prostate.
As part of World Day to Combat Prostate Cancer, which is celebrated this Sunday, November 17th, the Institute of Prostate Focal Therapy highlights that early diagnosis is essential and effective.
It is essential to detect prostate cancer in its early stages, when there is still a strong chance of a cure.
But, to get to this point, it is essential that men know and identify signs. These are initial symptoms that can be easy to ignore, that go unnoticed – but that are critical for an early diagnosis of this disease.
Sanches Magalhães, urologist and founder of the institute, presents the 5 most frequent signs: increased urinary frequency, urgency to urinate, difficulty initiating urination, weak flow or the feeling that the bladder does not empty completely.
And there are 3 other warning signs: pain when urinating, blood in urine or semen, and pain in the lower back, hips, or thighs.
These symptoms may have a benign origin, but their persistence is a reason to consultation medical and possibly for a PSA tests (prostate specific antigen).
Men over 50 can ask their GP for a PSA test, regardless of symptoms. Young people, ages 40 and up, should consider this test if they have a family history or persistent symptoms.
For men with history familiar of prostate cancer or ovarian or breast cancer on the maternal side, PSA surveillance is further recommended.
A gradual increase in PSA may warrant a blood test. MRI to check for the presence of tumors in the prostate.
Sanches Magalhães reinforces that, In most cases, the diagnosis is made in stages in which it is possible to treat and eradicate the disease.
