Blue November is the month to combat prostate cancer, a disease that claims around 15 thousand victims per year.
What do you know about Blue November? The international movement emerged in a way that could alert the population about an important issue: prostate cancer. The disease is very common among men over 40 years of age. Furthermore, it is believed that, according to the National Cancer Institute (INCA), by the end of 2021, more than 65 thousand people will be diagnosed with the disease. On the other hand, prostate cancer kills around 15,000 people a year, which makes learning more about it essential.
Therefore, so that such an end is not a possibility, carrying out the detector exam frequently is crucial. In this sense, an early diagnosis can be the key to further increasing the chance of a cure, as well as facilitating treatment. The issue of possible side effects due to radiotherapy and surgical procedures is also avoided.
Studies recommend that all men, regardless of age, have an appointment at least once a year with a urologist. The professional will decide whether it is necessary to investigate possible tumors, and must also assess the patient’s health in general.
Clinical oncologist Dr. Andrey Soares comments on the risks of leaving treatment until later this Blue November: “When prostate cancer is identified in advanced stages, treatment is more aggressive. This can even compromise testosterone production. The lack of this hormone increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, sexual impotence and cognitive disorders.”
What is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is the most common type among men. It is the cause of death for 28.6% of the male population, as soon as they develop malignant neoplasms. In Brazil, for example, a man dies every 38 minutes due to the disease. The prostate, the region of the tumor, is a gland of the male reproductive system. It weighs about 20 grams, similar to a chestnut. Its main function, like the seminal vesicles, is to produce sperm.
Even in its early stages, prostate cancer has no symptoms. On the other hand, when signs begin to appear, approximately 95% of tumors are already in an advanced stage. This makes healing even more difficult. Some symptoms of the advanced stage are pain when urinating, bone pain, the presence of blood in the urine or semen and the urge to urinate frequently.
In addition, the risk factors for the disease must also be taken into consideration. They range from a family history of prostate cancer, such as a father, brother or uncle, to obesity and race: black men tend to be diagnosed with the disease more frequently.
How to treat the disease?
In any case, the only way to treat prostate cancer is to diagnose it early. Even without advanced stage symptoms, men over 45 who have risk factors or any man over 50 should consult a urologist. Thus, it is possible to perform a digital rectal exam, evaluating any changes in the gland. The urologist should also recommend a PSA (prostate specific antigen) blood test. Around 20% of patients can be diagnosed only with a change in rectal exam.
Treatment, however, depends on several issues. Some of them are the patient’s health status, the progression of the disease and life expectancy. Less aggressive tumors can be monitored through active surveillance, where the evolution of the disease is monitored. This way, it is possible to intervene if it progresses.
More about Blue November
Finally, check out some data about prostate cancer highlighted by the Brazilian Society of Urology below. They are all extremely important so that it is possible to understand how crucial it is to carry out an early diagnosis, and not just during Blue November.
- One person dies from the disease every 40 minutes;
- 20% of patients are diagnosed in advanced stages;
- With an early diagnosis, the chances of cure increase to 90%;
- Prostate cancer is the 2nd most common tumor in men. The first is leather;
- A diagnosis of the disease occurs every 7 minutes;
- There is still no total prevention against the disease, but it is possible to diagnose it early;
- 25% of people with this cancer die from it. The numbers would be lower if cases were detected earlier.
The benefit of physical activity
In addition to the essential information on Blue November, there are some habits that can help strengthen the body against the disease. In this sense, a healthy lifestyle is of great importance. Even if small, there is an association between physical activity and a reduced chance of developing prostate cancer, according to Dr. Andrey Soares. And not just like this, but many other types of carcinomas. Therefore, having a balanced diet, exercising and everything related to well-being is welcome.
