The month of November is marked by the prostate cancer awareness campaign. Known as 'Blue November', the campaign aims to disseminate information about men's health and reinforce the recommendations of the Ministry of Health for prevention, early diagnosis, and screening of cancer. The campaign is of utmost importance, since prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among men worldwide, second only to non-melanoma skin cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute (INCA).
For the three-year period 2023-2025, INCA estimated that 71,730 men would be affected by the disease. This type of cancer is more common in elderly people (over 65 years old), with approximately 75% of cases occurring in people in this age group. However, INCA also reports that: "the incidence rate is higher in developed countries compared to developing countries. There is also a higher incidence in states where the population has easier access to doctors and diagnostic technologies."
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The increase in prostate cancer cases in Brazil is partly linked to the evolution of diagnostic methods (tests), the improvement in the quality of the country's information systems, and the increase in life expectancy.
Early detection
It is very important for the patient's health that the disease is detected as early as possible, as this increases the chances of successful treatment. The Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA) indicates that: “Early detection can be done through investigation with clinical, laboratory, endoscopic or radiological examinations, of people with signs and symptoms suggestive of the disease (early diagnosis), or of people without signs or symptoms (screening), but belonging to groups with a higher chance of having the disease.” The tests performed for early detection are the digital rectal examination and the blood test to evaluate the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) level.
Possible symptoms
The Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA) reports that the following symptoms are not caused by cancer, but it is important that they be investigated:
- Difficulty urinating;
- Decreased urine stream;
- The need to urinate more often during the day or at night;
- Blood in the urine.
Prevention
Maintaining a healthy body weight, in addition to healthy habits such as physical activity, a healthy diet, avoiding alcoholic beverages, and not smoking, is important to avoid the risk of chronic diseases, including cancer.
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The Brazilian College of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging (CBR), as a medical society, emphasizes the utmost importance of following the information provided by the Ministry of Health and medical authorities on the subject.