They demand that the Ministry of Health conduct screenings for prostate cancer
On the occasion of World Prostate Cancer Day, more than 1,200 doctors specializing in urology meet in Palma these days to analyze new discoveries in the fight against this disease. About 31,000 people are diagnosed with this cancer every year in Spain, of whom about 5% are diagnosed in Palma. This scientific meeting is organized by the Spanish Association of Urology and, in addition to doctors, representatives of patient associations are also invited. It is these associations that require public health to carry out preventive screening for prostate tumors, since in this way it can be detected as soon as possible if the patient suffers from this cancer, and his chances of overcoming the disease are higher.
Dr. José Luis Álvarez explained that the Association is finalizing the development of medical protocols that will consist mainly of blood tests, which have already been presented in several autonomous communities. The medical community advocates that these tests be completed as soon as possible. A simple test would be highly effective and at the same time save money for government coffers, since treating advanced prostate cancer is much more expensive than previous research into preventing the disease.
This medical meeting is presented under the title: Don’t wait for symptoms to alert you. Your health is in your hands. Dr. Carlos Gutierrez, head of the urology department at the Son Llatzer Clinic, explained that the symptoms of prostate cancer are not always specific. Therefore, if there is any suspicion, such as a change in the way you urinate, this can always be interpreted as a possible symptom. Doctors advise patients who notice these changes to immediately contact a medical center. There they will conduct a series of tests and, depending on the results, the patient will be referred to a specialist.
Dr. Gutierrez recalled that prostate cancer is the most common tumor among men. About 6,000 patients die every year. Despite this, the chances of cure if the cancer is localized in the early stages exceeds 80%. Urologist Son Llatzer clarified that more than 90% of low-risk patients who undergo surgery do not require treatment. The department he runs has a cure rate of 81% and a very low mortality rate. The doctor clarified that in case of any suspicions that may arise during diagnostic testing, confirmation of prostate cancer is carried out through a biopsy. n