Early detection of prostate cancer: Men watch out, your health counts!

Early detection of prostate cancer: Men watch out, your health counts!

prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and represents a serious health risk. In Austria, more than 7,500 men receive the diagnosis annually, with no symptoms usually occur in early stages. The timely detection of the tumor is crucial because it significantly improves the chances of recovery. Experts emphasize that the most important risk factor is age, with incidence increasing with increasing age. Men with family preload, for example by affected fathers or brothers, also have an increased risk of the disease. Years of studies, such as the European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer (SPC), show the importance of early detection and have led to standardized recommendations.

like the Krone reports that experts point out that benign prostate enlargements such as frequent urination or a weak urine beam can cause prostate cancer often unnoticed. The PSA blood test is the most important measure for early detection. Against the background of the current discussions, specialist associations recommend that men aged 45 and over regularly visit a urologist. An increased PSA value is a warning signal, but not a definitive proof of cancer.

early detection and legal programs

The statutory cancer early detection program includes an annual digital-rectal examination (DRU) for men aged 45 and over, which is free of charge. This investigation includes a conversation about complaints, the investigation of the genital organs and lymph nodes as well as the scanning of the prostate. However, the benefit of the DRU is limited, since usually only larger, superficially located tumors can be recognized. In addition, the PSA test, which serves to assess risk, is not part of the legal program, has to be financed privately and has its own challenges. About 50 percent of the tumors discovered do not cause any complaints, which leads to concern about overdiagnoses.

like the Krebsgesellschaft notes from a PSA value under 1 ng/ml are recommended every 4 years, while for values ​​above 2 ng/ml annual controls are necessary. Men over 70 years with a value below 1 ng/ml should no longer be subjected to PSA-based screening. In the case of suspects, additional tests, such as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or a tissue sample, must be considered, the latter can be painful.

risks and recommendations

experts are disagreed with the best approach to the early detection of prostate cancer. The benefit must be weighed against the risks of overdiagnosis - for example, that many discovered tumors do not cause potential risks. According to the Cancer information service show statistics that of 10,000 men who take part in a screening are only preserved from death, while 49 nevertheless die from prostate cancer. In the context of this data, informative advice from the doctor is essential. Above all relatives, especially women, can motivate men to investigate them in good time.

For optimal health care, regular control of the keys is regular. The combination of medical assessment and informed decision about screening measures can make a significant contribution to improving the chances of a long and healthy life. Provision is indispensable to minimize the risk of a late diagnosis.