The aim of the cooperation of patient organizations and the urology profession is early detection of the disease and broad information. Because men still go to the doctor late in Hungary, this is why the importance of regular prostate cancer screening needs to be made widely aware – it was said at the press conference opening the national PSA screening series campaign organized by the Hungarian Cancer League, the Association of Hungarian Organ Transplants and the Society of Hungarian Urologists. Prostate cancer, which is the third most common cause of death from cancer among Hungarian men, can develop without symptoms or complaints for years. PSA screening based on a simple blood test is important because it helps detect prostate cancer in time, when it can still be effectively treated or even completely cured. Men over the age of 50 are mainly invited to the national screening series taking place in October and November.
To aid in the early detection of prostate cancer, the PSA level of those applying for screening is measured with a simple blood test at more than 20 locations – festivals, clinics, and specialist appointments. PSA (prostate-specific antigen) is a protein produced by the prostate that can be detected in the blood. Its elevated level may indicate benign prostate enlargement, inflammation, infection, or even malignant changes.
Since prostate cancer typically develops at an older age, regular PSA screening is recommended for all men over the age of 50, as the greatest risk is if the disease is not detected in time. The specialists emphasize that those whose family members have had prostate cancer or breast, uterine or ovarian cancer on the maternal side, prostate cancer screening is recommended for those over the age of 45.
If a man goes for a PSA test once a year, he has already taken a giant step towards his health.
Source: MUT–MRL–MSZSZ
Source: www.patikamagazin.hu
