Campaign reinforces the importance of prostate cancer screening exams

Blue november

Rectal examination and PSA blood test are tools for early detection of the disease

Manaus (AM) – The Amazonas State Oncology Control Center Foundation (FCecon), a unit linked to the State Department of Health (SES-AM), reinforces, this November, the importance of screening tests for prostate cancer. The Blue November campaign encourages men to take care of their health and emphasizes that early diagnosis of cancer can save lives.

According to estimates from the National Cancer Institute (Inca), Amazonas is expected to register 570 new cases of prostate cancer in 2023.

Alert

The urologist and manager of FCecon’s Urology service, André Mancini, warns about carrying out screening tests: digital rectal exam and Prostatic Specific Antigen blood test, better known as PSA.

“Men in general, from the age of 50, can start their exams. Men who, perhaps, have risk factors, such as a family history of prostate cancer, are obese and black, can start at age 45,” said Mancini.

The recommendation is that men look for the Basic Health Unit (UBS) closest to their home to carry out their exams and assess their risk factors.

Signs and symptoms

Early-stage prostate cancer, in most cases, does not cause symptoms. Therefore, it is important that men take tests even without showing symptoms, warns the urologist.

In advanced cases, it is possible to have difficulty urinating, pain or burning when urinating, increased urinary frequency, blood in urine or semen, pain in the lower back and erectile dysfunction.

Treatment

Prostate cancer treatment in the public network of Amazonas is carried out by the Cecon Foundation, which performs surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormonal therapy. The choice of type of treatment will depend on the stage of the disease.

“Prostate cancer can be treated successfully, especially when diagnosed early. Early detection can save lives. Remember, Blue November is awareness month, but men’s health should be prioritized year-round,”

alerts the Urology manager at FCecon.

*With information from consultancy

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