What to know about prostate cancer?

The prostate cancer became the 2nd cause of death (after lung cancer) in humans. It is a serious disease, but that does not always death. In fact, it usually evolves slowly, sometimes for over 10 years. Thus, death due to other causes can occur during this development time.

Also, be aware that if Cancer found, treatment options have their advantages and disadvantages that must be well explained to the patient.


 

What to Know About Screening for prostate cancer ?

A very recent study (1), the risk of dying prostate cancer in a population subjected to screening decreases by more than 30% compared to a control group not detected.

The DRE and PSA are the means of screening.

Note, however, a normal value of PSA is not a certainty of the absence of Cancer. Indeed, there are false negatives (the value of PSA is normal when there is cancer). The reverse is also possible: an elevated PSA does not mean there is necessarily a Cancer (enlarged prostate infection). Finally, cancer can be asserted with certainty that after prostate biopsies.
 

What are the recommendations of the French Association of Urology (AFU)?

The French Association of Urology offers theadoption following recommendations:

- 45 to 54 years: an organized screening for groups at risk *;

- 55 to 69 years: a screening, if the annual PSA is greater than 1 ng / ml every 3 years if PSA is less than 1 ng / ml;

- 70 to 75 years: screening offered to individual patient must be informed of the disease, its treatments and their side effects;

- After 75 years: screening is not recommended.

 

Who is at risk for prostate cancer? (*)

- Family history of prostate cancer (The risk is even greater than the number of relatives who had a prostate cancer is high and that these cancers were detected before 65 years).

- An African or Caribbean origin.

- Age: between 55 and 69 years.