On the occasion of Men’s Health Month, the Ministry of Health and Social Security wishes to raise awareness among men of the importance of paying attention to symptoms that may be a manifestation of prostate cancer, and then making an appointment -you with their doctor.
Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men, with more than 520 new cases per year in Luxembourg. It is also the second deadliest cancer, causing 55 deaths in 2019, according to the National Cancer Registry.
Its incidence increases rapidly with age, with a peak observed between 75 and 79 years of age, although it should be noted that mortality linked to this cancer only increases after the age of 85.
After the age of 50, one in two men develop benign changes in the prostate gland, but the risk of cancer cannot be ruled out. Indeed, prostate cancer presents symptoms similar to certain benign diseases. It is therefore important to consult your doctor as soon as the first signs appear in order to obtain a confirmed diagnosis.
Certain risk factors are also favorable to the appearance of this cancer. Thus, older men in particular will be more frequently affected. Obesity, hereditary factors or family history in general must also be taken into account.
In the presence of symptoms or in case of doubt, only the doctor will be able to direct the patient towards appropriate additional examinations, namely the PSA blood test (prostate specific antigen) and the rectal exam. These two tests combined offer the best chance of early detection of prostate cancer. In the event of a high PSA level or detected abnormalities of the prostate gland, other examinations such as imaging and biopsy must be carried out in order to confirm the diagnosis made.
Martine Deprez, Minister of Health and Social Security, emphasizes that “it is essential that men know and recognize the symptoms of this cancer, and react quickly when they notice one of the suggestive signs. The earlier the diagnosis is made, the more “The treatments will be more effective and the chances of recovery will be better.”
For more information, consult the Sante.lu portal or contact the Coordination Center for Organized Cancer Screening Programs at (+352) 247-75550 or by e-mail at [email protected].
Communicated by the Ministry of Health and Social Security
