Blue November without taboos: Men, get checked out!
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death in men, second only to lung cancer. According to the latest figures from the National Cancer Institute (Inca), this type of cancer kills 1 man every 38 minutes, affecting 28.6% of the male population.
But what is the prostate anyway?
The prostate is a gland located in front of the rectum. Its function is to produce the prostatic fluid that forms part of semen, protecting, nourishing and helping to transport sperm. In young men, the prostate is the size of a walnut, but its size increases with age.
It is not known for sure what causes mutations in the genetic code of cells, causing them to develop into prostate cancer. But some factors can contribute, including being over 65, having a family history, Lynch Syndrome and occupational exposure to toxic products.
It's important to remember that obesity is a risk factor for prostate cancer and can worsen the condition. In addition, men of African descent may be more likely to develop this type of cancer.
Poor food choices play a significant role in increasing the risk of developing this disease. Pay close attention to excessive intake of processed foods, colorings, excess sugar and other condiments. We recommend eating more vegetables and adopting healthy habits, such as physical activity.
Although prostate cancer has no symptoms in its early stages, there are signs that indicate something is wrong, such as:
. Difficulty urinating
. Decreased urine stream
. Delay in starting and stopping urination
. Blood in urine or semen
. Need to urinate more often than usual during the day or night
But calm down! These symptoms are warning points and don't necessarily mean that you have prostate cancer. To confirm or rule out suspicions, it is essential to consult a urologist or proctologist.
The disease is diagnosed based on the results of clinical examinations (rectal examination) and the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test. Both are quick and painless. If the specialist notices changes in the prostate, small samples are taken for analysis in the laboratory (biopsy).
The alert is pertinent because according to the National Health Program (PNS) men go to the doctor less than women. That's why the Lado a Lado pela Vida Institute started the "Blue November" campaign in Brazil in 2011. The aim is to raise awareness among men about health care and the importance of routine examinations.
The earlier prostate cancer is diagnosed, the better the chances of a cure with less invasive treatments. That's why there's nothing better than prevention, by going for routine check-ups and having the tests requested by your doctor. There is nothing more valuable than life. Take care of yourself!
Sources: