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#Prostate Cancer Detection Guidelines

There is clear evidence that detection with the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test may reduce the number of deaths due to prostate cancer.

However, prostate cancer grows slowly, so it may not cause any problems in the man during the course of his life. For this reason, many men do not benefit from prostate cancer treatment, and suffer side effects, like long-term problems with urinary and sexual function.

What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancerous) cells form on the prostate tissue. The prostate is a gland of the male reproduction system that is just below the bladder (the organ in which urine collects and is released) and above the rectum (the lower part of the intestine).

How does it usually begin?

Generally, in the initial phase of prostate cancer there are not any symptoms. More advanced prostate cancers sometimes cause symptoms such as problems urinating, a slow are week urinary stream, or needing to urinate more frequently, especially at night. Blood may also appear in the urine or semen.

 

However, it is likely that the majority of these problems are produced by a cause other than prostate cancer. For example, benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH (a non-cancerous growth on the prostate) causes difficulties urinating more frequently than cancer.

What are the risk factors?

The main risk factors associated with prostate cancer are family history and age, but there are also others such as race or ethnic group. For example, men who are black and from the Caribbean with African ancestry have a higher risk of suffering from this type of cancer. It is also true that black men have double the probability of passing away than white men – without having determined the reason for this. Nevertheless, factors such as tobacco-use, diet, obesity, having suffered from prostatitis, or having had a vasectomy have less influence on the risk of being diagnosed with cancer prostate.

What are the methods used to detect this type of cancer?

Our detection guidelines at HC Marbella are based on the benefit balance (reduction in the number of deaths) compared to the damage that may be caused by the treatment in men who do not need it.

 

The guidelines are based on the following principles:

 

• Men with prostate cancer can be closely monitored. Which is to say, a prostate cancer diagnosis helps to make decisions, but it is not an indication of immediate treatment.
• Balance between damage and benefits of detection. Focusing the detection tests on men with a high risk of potentially fatal prostate cancer, we can better achieve this balance.

 
 

The detection screening should take place in the following age brackets:
 

• 50 years of age for men who have an average risk of prostate cancer and that have an expectancy of at least 10 more years.
• 45 years of age for men with a high risk of developing prostate cancer. This includes African Americans and men who have an immediate relative (father, brother or son) diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age (less than 65 years of age).
• 40 years of age for men with an even higher risk (those with more than one immediate family member that has been diagnosed).
• After this screening, men who desire to undergo a screening must undergo a blood analysis with prostate-specific antigen (PSA). A rectal examination must also be done as part of the exam.

 
 

If cancer is not found after the tests, the time to do them again will depend on the results of the PSA blood test:

 

• If the PSA is less than 2.5ng / ml a new test will be done every 2 years.
• If the PSA is equal to or greater than 2.5 ng / ml, the test will be repeated annually.
• Due to the fact that prostate cancer often grows slowly, men without symptoms and without a life expectancy greater than 10 years should not have the tests done, since it is probable that they will not benefit from the treatment. The general state of health, not only the age, is important when making decisions about detection.

HC Marbella International Hospital

At HC Marbella we are conscious of the importance of evaluating the risk of cancer and detecting the disease early.

 

If you have a history of cancer in your family, we can provide you with information about hereditary cancer and genetics. Our Oncology Service relies on genetic assessments and specialized doctors in order to analyze the ways to minimize the risk of cancer.

 

Detection is also an essential part of the prevention and care during for cancer. Through our experience in treating the patients at HC Marbella, our doctors have developed guidelines for detection for the most common cancers: breast, cervical, colorectal, head and neck, ovarian, prostate, and skin.