Every year, on September 15, Prostate Cancer Awareness Day serves as an important reminder for all men: taking care of your health should not begin when a symptom appears. Preventive screening and early diagnosis can play a crucial role in the management of many diseases, and prostate cancer is no exception.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men. Its incidence increases with age, while factors such as family history may also play an important role. Despite its prevalence, prostate cancer may develop without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. This is precisely what makes preventive screening particularly important.
What is the prostate and what is its role?
The prostate is a small gland of the male reproductive system, located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It surrounds part of the urethra and contributes to the production of fluid that forms part of semen.
As men age, the prostate may undergo various changes. Benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis and prostate cancer are different conditions, with different characteristics and treatment approaches. Therefore, experiencing a urinary symptom does not necessarily mean that cancer is present. Evaluation by the appropriate healthcare professional is required.
Why is early diagnosis important?
One of the most important characteristics of prostate cancer is that it may cause no symptoms in its early stages. A man may feel perfectly well and have no obvious indication that further investigation is needed.
As the disease progresses, symptoms may include difficulty starting urination, a weak or interrupted urine flow, frequent urination – particularly at night –, a feeling that the bladder has not emptied completely, or blood in the urine or semen.
However, these symptoms alone do not necessarily indicate prostate cancer and may be associated with other, more common conditions. Their presence is nevertheless an important reason to seek medical evaluation.
That is why prevention should not wait for symptoms to appear.
What factors increase the risk?
The most important risk factor is age, as the risk of developing prostate cancer increases as men get older.
Family history is also particularly important. Men who have a close relative, such as a father or brother, with a history of prostate cancer may have an increased risk and should therefore discuss the appropriate preventive screening schedule with their doctor.
Other factors may also be associated with the risk of developing the disease. For this reason, preventive screening is not the same for everyone. The age at which screening should begin and how often it should be performed should be determined on an individual basis, in consultation with the treating physician.
How is prostate screening performed?
One of the key tools used to assess prostate health is the PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) blood test.
PSA is a protein produced by the prostate, and measuring its level in the blood can provide useful information to the doctor. It is important to emphasize, however, that an elevated PSA level does not necessarily mean that prostate cancer is present. PSA levels may also increase due to other conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia or inflammation.
Depending on the individual case, Free PSA may also be measured and the Ratio may be calculated, referring to the ratio of free PSA to total PSA, in order to provide a more comprehensive assessment.
Test results should not be interpreted in isolation. The doctor evaluates PSA levels and other relevant factors, taking into account the man’s age, medical history and clinical picture, and determines whether further investigation is required.
Prevention means not waiting
Prevention is a simple yet meaningful act of self-care. Regular screening can help men gain a better understanding of their health and, when indicated, proceed with the necessary investigation at an early stage.
On the occasion of Prostate Cancer Awareness Day, Euromedica is offering a special Prostate Health Check-Up, providing access to a basic laboratory screening package at a special price.
Prostate Health Check-Up
The special package includes:
- PSA
- FREE PSA
- RATIO
Special price: €20
Prevention does not have to be complicated. It can start with a simple check-up and a conversation with your doctor.
Because, often, the most important step is the one we take before there is any reason for concern.
Don’t wait for it to knock on your door.
Take care of your health today. Make prostate screening part of your routine healthcare.
Book your appointment at Euromedica.