10 myths and truths about prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men, especially after age 50. Some of the symptoms that may be associated with this type of cancer include difficulty urinating, a constant feeling of a full bladder, or the inability to maintain an erection, for example.
- However.
- Many cancer cases may also lack specific symptoms.
- So it is recommended that after 50 years.
- All men have prostate cancer detected by a rectal examination at the urologist and a PSA blood test.
- Learn about key tests that evaluate prostate health.
Embora seja um câncer relativamente comum e facilmente tratado, principalmente quando identificado precocemente, o câncer de próstata ainda gera vários tipos de mitos que acabam dificultando o rastreio. Isto diminui as chances de ser identificado precocemente e, consequentemente, reduz a taxa de cura.
So, to clarify the main doubts, we explain the top 10 myths and truths about this cancer:
MITO. O câncer de próstata é mais comum em idosos, tendo maior incidência a partir dos 50 anos, no entanto, o câncer não escolhe idades e, por isso, pode aparecer mesmo em jovens. Assim, é importante que sempre se fique atento ao surgimento de sinais ou sintomas que possam indicar problemas na próstata, consultando um urologista sempre que isso acontecer. Veja quais os sinais que deve estar atento.
In addition, it is very important to have an annual screening, which is recommended from the age of 50 for seemingly healthy men with no family history of prostate cancer, or from age 45 for men who have close relatives, such as father or brother, with a history of prostate cancer.
Myth. Increasing the psa value, above 4 ng/ml, does not always mean that cancer develops. Indeed, any inflammation of the prostate can cause an increase in the production of this enzyme, including problems much simpler than cancer, such as prostatitis or benign hypertrophy, for example. In these cases, although treatment is needed, it is quite different from cancer treatment and requires appropriate advice from a urologist.
Learn how to understand the PSA test result
Truth.Rectal touch can be quite uncomfortable and, as a result, many men prefer to take PSA only as a form of cancer screening.However, several cases of cancer have already been reported in which there has been no change in blood PSA levels, the same being those of a perfectly healthy and cancer-free man, i.e. less than 4 ng/ml.Therefore, rectal touch can help your doctor identify any changes in your prostate, even if the PSA values are correct.
Ideally, at least two tests should be done together to try to identify cancer, the simplest and most economical of which are rectal and PSA tests.
Myth. An enlarged prostate may, in fact, be a sign of cancer developing in the gland; However, an enlarged prostate can also occur in other more common prostate problems, especially in cases of benign prostate hyperplasia.
Benign prostate hyperplasia, also known as prostate hypertrophy, is also very common in men over age 50, but it is a benign condition that may not cause symptoms or changes in daily life. However, many men with prostate hypertrophy may also have cancer-like symptoms, such as difficulty urinating or a constant feeling of a full bladder. See other symptoms and better understand this condition.
In these situations, it is always best to consult the urologist to correctly identify the cause of the enlarged prostate, initiating appropriate treatment.
Truth. Having a family history of cancer increases your risk of any type of cancer. However, according to several studies, having a first-class family member, such as a parent or sibling, with a history of prostate cancer increases the chances that men will develop the same type of cancer up to twice as many.
For this reason, men who have a direct history of prostate cancer in the family should start screening for cancer up to 5 years before men with no history, i.e. from age 45.
IT’S NOT CONFIRMED. Although some studies indicate that having more than 21 ejaculations per month may reduce the risk of developing cancer and other prostate problems, this information is not yet unanimous across the scientific community, as there are also studies that have not reached any relationship between the number of ejaculations and the development of cancer.
True.Pumpkin seeds are very rich in carotenoids, which are substances with a powerful antioxidant action capable of preventing various types of cancer, including prostate cancer.In addition to pumpkin seeds, tomatoes have also been studied as an important food for the prevention of prostate cancer, due to their rich composition in lycopene, a type of carotenoid.
In addition to these two foods, a healthy diet also helps significantly reduce the risk of cancer. This is recommended to limit the amount of red meats in the diet, increase vegetable intake and limit the amount of salt or alcoholic beverages ingested. Find out what to eat to prevent prostate cancer.
Myth. After several studies and epidemiological research, the relationship between vasectomy performance and cancer development has not been established. Therefore, vasectomy is considered safe and there is no reason to increase the risk of prostate cancer.
Truth. Although not all cases of prostate cancer can be cured, the truth is that it is a type of cancer that has a high cure rate, especially when it is identified at its earliest stage and only affects the prostate.
Treatment is usually done by surgery to remove the prostate and completely eliminate the cancer. However, depending on the age of the man and the stage of development of the disease, the urologist may indicate other types of treatment, such as drug use and even chemotherapy and radiation therapy. See all treatment options used for prostate cancer.
Myth. Treatment of any type of cancer is always accompanied by several side effects, especially when more aggressive techniques such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy are used. In the case of prostate cancer, the main type of treatment used is surgery, which, although considered relatively safer, can also be accompanied by complications, including erection problems.
However, this is most common in more advanced cancer cases, when surgery is more important and a very enlarged prostate is needed, which increases the risk of important nerves associated with maintaining the erection.Learn more about surgery, its complications, and its healing.
Watch the video below as well and find out what’s true and what’s wrong about prostate cancer: