Every day, 13 men die from prostate cancer. Almost 20,000 cases of this cancer and over a thousand testicular cancers are detected in Poland every year. Most of them are in an advanced stage. This can be avoided. Get tested!
INSANE PODIUM
Among all cancers, prostate cancer ranks second, right after lung cancer. When it comes to diseases affecting the genitourinary system, it's the undisputed winner. It kills 13 people a day. Nearly twice as many, 30, die from all genitourinary cancers. The risk of developing the disease increases after the age of 50. Those under 40 are more likely to develop testicular cancer, while penile cancer usually occurs in men around 60. The statistics are dramatic and can be frightening, but experts say that fear shouldn't be the reason for seeking medical attention, but rather concern for one's own health. Early detection of cancer doesn't lead to death.
- Lately we have been talking about prostate cancer as a chronic disease. Why? Because you can die from prostate cancer, you don't have to die from it. Let's just treat ourselves like a car, we have our car serviced once a year. We, as guys who love cars, should do the same. We get a referral from our family doctor. He sends us for a few tests, including a PSA urine test, and we proceed with that to further diagnostics - says the urologist Dr. Waldemar Bonczar. Prostate cancer develops slowly. It can take up to a dozen years from the first cancer cells to the appearance of symptoms. That is why regular tests are essential. Measuring the PSA level is a basic test that allows for early detection of prostate cancer.
WITH THESE SYMPTOMS ON CITO
As a preventive measure, after the age of 40, it is recommended to visit a urologist once a year. Unless there are worrying symptoms, then the family doctor issues a referral for a cito. There are several worrying symptoms that may indicate prostate cancer.
- Blood in the urine is something that you have to come immediately! Difficulty in urinating, urgent urges, leaking of this urine should also be an alarming signal. And such forced micturition, it is already known that age-related issues with prostate enlargement are starting - he enumerates Dr. Bonczar. Other worrying symptoms include: pain and burning during urination, urine retention in the bladder, blood in the semen, erectile dysfunction, painful ejaculation, pain in the perineum and behind the pubic symphysis, swelling of the genitals, lower abdominal pain. Looking at the statistics, it is also worth mentioning testicular cancer. Unlike prostate cancer, testicular cancer is a disease of young men, aged 15 to 40. Therefore, prevention is essential, but this is where the problem often appears. Shame and fear.
TO THE UROLOGIST WITHOUT SHAME
Although men are becoming more aware, it is still the embarrassment towards a urologist that most often stops them from visiting. Specialists say that there are two proven ways to overcome the embarrassment towards a urologist: arming yourself with solid knowledge about what the examination looks like, and reporting to a doctor you can trust.
"It's very important to come to a urologist who is open. Someone who will initially lighten the mood, chat with the patient for a moment, and not just say, 'Turn around, shut up, and get it over with.'" I always tell every patient: let's talk first, do an ultrasound, and then do the actual test, which patients are most afraid of because it's still stigmatized." emphasizes Dr. Bonczar.
NOT THAT SCARY UROLOGIST
The first stage of the visit is the already mentioned conversation with the patient, during which the doctor asks about various types of ailments. The second stage is usually an ultrasound examination. Finally, a rectal examination is performed, which involves the doctor inserting a finger in a rubber glove into the patient's rectum. The doctor examines the area of the anus in this way and checks for abrasions, cracks, varicose veins, and changes of a cancerous origin.
"Regarding the examination, everyone says it's overrated, that they get up later from the couch and say they scared me unnecessarily. I thought it would be worse. I thought it was different. But first, there's a general ultrasound, and then the cherry on the cake, a digital rectal examination. And the patients take it well, just like men. One or two will smile, a third won't say a word, and yet another will shed a tear and say, 'Doctor, I'll see you in a year, because it's nothing to worry about.'" shares the doctor. Shame and fear of the urologist will certainly reduce the good opinions about the specialist we want to go to. A well-performed examination should be gentle, efficient and quick.
It's worth adding that although fear of visiting a urologist still persists, other examination topics are slowly losing their taboo status. This happens in men over fifty and older. Resistance occurs in younger guys, over forty. Younger guys, being younger, always joke. And have you been to a urologist? And you were fine, and you left smiling, and you shed a tear? You brought a rose – laughs Dr. Bonczar. However, he notices a positive change: more and more young men, around 30 years old, are coming for the test.
Interview with Dr. Waldemar Bonczar on Wednesday, February 8 in the medical podcast WHAT DOES YOUR DOCTOR SAY?: