Dr. Juan Pablo Barés Weeden, from the Panama Haemato-Oncology Center, concluded that prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, and early detection through tests could reduce mortality risks.
Prostate cancer is caused when the cells of said gland, which produces part of the fluid that makes up the semen, begin to grow uncontrollably.
In the last 10 years, the mortality rate has remained unchanged, of 14-16 cases per 100 thousand inhabitants, so about 800 new patients are expected each year, said oncologist Juan Pablo BarésWeeden; it is recommended to have early detection tests in patients with risk factors.
Prostate cancer from early stages is diagnosed by prostate-specific antigen (PSA) analysis and digital rectal examination. This could reduce the possibility of dying from the disease or prevent it from spreading to other organs, said oncologist Juan Pablo Barés. The population that could benefit from early detection tests (screening) are men from the age of 50, African-American patients and those with relatives who have developed the disease. He recommends that the attending physician or urologist, discuss with the patient the convenience or not, of taking this test and what are its possible consequences. Screening for prostate cancer in the general population should not be done indiscriminately.
Among the alarm symptoms that warrant evaluation are: urinary obstruction, problems urinating, decreased urinary stream, urinate a lot at night, bleeding in urine or semen. Dr.Barés explained that many men refuse to have a digital rectal examination and only use PSA for machismo, but it is important to have the two exams because they complement each other, since rectal examination can detect lesions or damage to the rectum. An area that may indicate prostate cancer or rectal cancer. If an abnormal elevation of PSA is detected in the blood, your GP or urologist can recommend some studies such as prostate ultrasound or MRI of the prostate to confirm, or biopsy according to criteria since there may be malignant cells of the prostate gland, as indicated by the medical guides. “I detected prostate cancer through the PSA, 2 or 3 years ago, because my digital rectal examination was normal. My urologist recommended a biopsy that confirmed it and recommended surgery. I received treatment, and I continue to work as an oncologist attending patients, “said Dr.Barés.
The Centro HematoOncológico Panamá, a center specializing in cancer, offers early detection tests and offers different treatments to treat this disease, among these are: hormone therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy, which are given according to the criteria and recommendation of the specialist, and based on international standards.
The Panama Haemato-Oncology Center is a multidisciplinary group that seeks to improve the quality of life of patients with cancer and blood diseases, with highly qualified personnel, of experience, that at the time of its foundation in 1994 its founders were pioneers in treatments of cancer and blood diseases. The Center offers a comprehensive treatment service in its psychological, social, and spiritual aspects.
