Where to check the prostate in the south of Gran Canaria?

Prostate cancer is the most lethal and silent type of neoplasia, because it does not present early symptoms, but it is also the least preventable, so it is essential to perform annual check-ups to detect it in time, says Pablo Juárez del Dago, head of Urology at San Roque University Hospitals (HUSR) in Maspalomas. It is a silent disease, especially in the initial stages, which is why a person realizes that they have the disease after presenting symptoms, but it is usually too late. It is important to consider that every man over 45 years of age visits his urologist at least once a year and in the case of those who have a family member with this disease, they should go from 40 years of age. It is important to take into account that in prostate cancer time can be the difference between curative treatment or the progression of the disease that can lead to death.

Unfortunately, this type of cancer does not have a screening test like mammography in the case of breast cancer or pap smear (also known as vaginal cytology) in the case of cervical-uterine cancer. The only two ways in which the presence of prostate cancer can be suspected is through an examination known as a digital rectal examination, in which the doctor will be able to detect the presence of some abnormality in the prostate gland. And also chemically, that is, through the prostate-specific antigen blood test that the doctor will know how to interpret. Both tests are studies that provide different and complementary information to determine in which patients it is necessary to perform the only study that can confirm or rule out this disease: the prostate biopsy.

Although the condition does not cause early symptoms, when patients arrive for consultation they already present symptoms such as burning when urinating, difficulty emptying the bladder, increased frequency of urination, fever, straining or bleeding when urinating. Unlike other types of cancer, this cannot yet be prevented, although it does not hurt to lead a healthy lifestyle, exercise and quit bad habits such as alcohol or tobacco. It is known that family history, genetics and advanced age are the main factors that can determine whether a man has this disease. A diet high in fats and proteins of animal origin can play an important role, as it accelerates the presence of prostate carcinoma, as well as other neoplastic diseases.