Early detection is crucial in the Fight Against Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer often presents with no noticeable symptoms in its early stages.When symptoms do appear, they can include difficulty urinating, incomplete bladder emptying, and bleeding during urination or ejaculation. Unfortunately, by the time these signs manifest, the disease is frequently already advanced. This underscores the critical importance of proactive screening.
According to urologist Dr. Velásquez Nieves, current detection methods include the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and the digital rectal exam (DRE). While the DRE is becoming less common in some medical settings, Dr. Nieves emphasizes its continued meaning in Latin American countries like El Salvador. “We see very advanced prostate cancer here,” he explains, “and combining a PSA test with a rectal touch provides a more suggestive diagnosis, allowing for earlier intervention.”
When Should Men Begin Screening?
Research suggests that men aged 55 to 69 benefit most from early detection tests. Though, age isn’t the sole determining factor. Dr. Nieves stresses the importance of considering family history. “If my father died from prostate cancer, I would consult a urologist much earlier – possibly between 45 and 50 – rather than waiting until 55.”
This recommendation extends to individuals with a family history of either breast or prostate cancer, placing them in a higher-risk category and potentially warranting screening as early as age 40. For men over 75, a personalized approach is advised, as age and co-existing health conditions may influence the suitability of aggressive treatment options.
A Disparity in diagnosis: El Salvador and Beyond
The stage at which prostate cancer is diagnosed varies significantly between countries. In the United States and England, approximately 15% of patients are diagnosed with advanced cancer. In El Salvador, however, that number is considerably higher. Dr. Nieves notes that a considerable percentage of patients present with advanced disease.
Fortunately, the foundational tools for early detection – the PSA test and DRE – are available in El Salvador. More advanced diagnostic imaging, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), is utilized to confirm suspicions and guide treatment planning.
A Call to Action: Prioritize Proactive Care
Prostate cancer remains a notable threat to men’s health, but it’s also a disease with a high survival rate when detected early. The American Cancer society reports that while 1 in 44 men will die from prostate cancer, the vast majority survive thanks to timely diagnosis and advancements in medical care.
In El Salvador, where late-stage diagnoses are common, raising awareness and promoting preventative measures are paramount. Consulting a urologist and undergoing regular check-ups isn’t simply a matter of self-care; it’s a vital opportunity to safeguard one’s health.
The message is clear: don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Understanding yoru family history and proactively scheduling screenings can be the difference between successful treatment and a delayed, more challenging diagnosis.
