« Prostate cancer most often develops without symptoms for several years », explains Professor Romain Mathieu, urologist at Rennes University Hospital (Ille-et-Vilaine), member of the cancerology committee of the French Urology Association (AFU).
« Urinary symptoms may appear when the disease progresses locally. However, in older men, they are often due to a benign prostate adenoma. Our role, as urologists, is to be able to distinguish between this disease and possible cancer. »
What about screening?
« There is no recommended systematic screening », specifies our specialist. “ However, from the age of 50, we can discuss with men the benefit of carrying out a PSA test (blood marker) via a blood test and/or a rectal exam to identify a possible abnormality in the consistency of the prostate. . These examinations help guide a diagnosis of prostate cancer.. »
What medical care ?
The choice of care strategy will be adapted according to the severity of the tumor. “ For low-risk cancers, offering active surveillance has become the usual management. We monitor the progression of the disease with regular examinations (PSA, MRI, biopsies) and we only intervene“in the event of progress,” indicates Professor Mathieu.
« For more aggressive localized forms, surgery (prostatectomy), radiotherapy or alternative treatments such as ultrasound can be offered. In cases of more advanced cancer, hormonal therapies, most often combined with radiotherapy, are considered. »
In certain cases, metastases can develop distantly, particularly in the bones.
« Metastatic forms account for approximately 10% of prostate cancer diagnoses. They can be revealed by a PSA level, most often very high, or bone pain. Over the past fifteen years, major advances have been made, notably with new hormonal therapies, chemotherapy but also more targeted therapies, which make it possible to improve survival but above all the quality of life of patients. », Specifies Professor Romain Mathieu.
Boost supportive care
Mortality linked to prostate cancer is decreasing steadily, this is partly explained by improvements in treatments, particularly for advanced cancers. “ So much so that we can consider metastatic prostate cancer as a chronic disease », underlines Professor Mathieu.
« This is why it is important to support patients with supportive care, including adapted physical activity, which helps reduce the side effects of treatments and improves quality of life. Financial support is needed to encourage the prescription of appropriate physical activity. Just as it would be useful to offer nutritional and psychological support to our patients. »
S’informer
- On the fr site, developed by Pfizer and the French-speaking Association for Supportive Oncology Care (AFSOS), you will be able to find the oncology support care closest to you. And this using an interactive map which allows you to identify the associations offering these care offers.
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