November is Prostate Cancer Screening Awareness Month. Encouraging men to be screened is one of the objectives of the association of patients with localized prostate cancer. Objective: to have the least disabling treatments possible for the patient.
Nearly 60,000 men discover they have prostate cancer each year, the leading male cancer. François Gareil, deputy secretary of theAssociation of patients with localized prostate cancer (APCLP), measures its luck. “I was followed and therefore screened for cancer. The urologist who was treating me prescribed an annual check-up of the PSA level, an indicator that allows you to see if you have prostate cancer. He invited me to have a biopsy which indeed revealed that I had prostate cancer.“After various exams, MRI, biopsy, the urologist told him he had cancer.”He suggested I have my prostate removed. It is still something with consequences in terms of quality of life.“In fact, one in five men who undergo this treatment will experience incontinence and impotence. A second medical opinion recommends brachytherapy. After a first month of difficult treatment, life returns to its normal course. All it takes is treatment twice a day to avoid urinary blockages.
“I experience helplessness“
Gilles Thibaudault, president of the APCLP, regrets the absence of an organized screening program, as is the case for breast and cervical cancer screening. “A simple letter sent to men over 50 would encourage many of them to take the first step.“The general practitioner can prescribe a PSA (prostatic specific antigen) test to identify the presence of cancer cells in the prostate with a simple blood test.”At age 50, if your rate is low, that’s reassuring. But if it starts to climb, it is imperative to consult before the situation becomes complicated.“It is proven that men who ejaculate fairly frequently are less likely to have prostate cancer.
With a PSA level of 177, Gilles Thibaudault underwent hormone therapy treatment, a relapse and a new treatment with a second generation molecule that was well tolerated. “I feel tired sometimes, I have to rest a lot. But I have a living environment that suits me completely.“But this treatment has serious effects: he no longer has testosterone, therefore no more libido or erections.”I experience helplessness. Concessions had to be made. My wife understood very well that it would no longer be the same as before.“
“Incontinence is a taboo subject“
Cancer diagnosed at an advanced stage will necessarily require heavier treatment which can cause side effects such as incontinence or impotence. “You must be informed of the consequences to better anticipate them” estimates Gilles Thibaudault. The association he chairs works together with health professionals to support patients in their rehabilitation and their adaptation to these changes. “Coping with illness requires personal control, we are here to support those who are starting this journey.“
As soon as the prostate is treated, it is damaged and certain functions are no longer carried out correctly. “Incontinence is a taboo subjectrecognizes Jean-Luc Herpin, coordinator of the Incontinence group of the APCLP, but talking about it is essential to help those who suffer from it. Exercises to strengthen the perineum, supervised by specialists, can significantly reduce this problem.“The ideal being to strengthen the perineum as a preventative measure.
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