Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men. According to the World Health Organization, 1.5 million new cases are diagnosed annually. However, one third of these cases can be prevented with a healthy lifestyle. Dr. Jorge Stucchi, urologist at the Centro Médico Plaza Lima Sur of Clinica Ricardo Palma, explains some myths and truths about this disease.

Prostate cancer can occur as early as age 40. True. This cancer can usually manifest itself between the ages of 40 and 45. For this reason, it is recommended to undergo preventive studies from this age onwards. However, it is important to note that the risk increases with age.

The PSA test diagnoses prostate cancer. Falso. El PSA es un marcador tumoral que representa una parte importante para establecer o descartar el riesgo de cáncer de próstata durante la evaluación del paciente, considerándose valores normales habituales de 0 a 4 nanogramos por mililitro (ng/ml). El método diagnóstico para esta afección es la biopsia.

An enlarged prostate means you have prostate cancer. False. Prostatic enlargement is referred to as benign prostatic hyperplasia. It is common in all men over 40 years of age, to varying degrees. Prostate cancer develops anatomically in most cases in a region of the prostate other than where the benign prostatic growth is established.

Treatment for prostate cancer can cause impotence. True. It is possible, but not in all cases. In early stages of the disease, if the patient has access to curative surgical treatment without associated neurological compromise and in the hands of an expert surgeon, sexual function should be preserved. On the other hand, in advanced stages of extra-prostatic extension, total androgen blockade or bilateral orchiectomy means the loss of the hormonal impulse necessary for the patient’s normal sexual functioning.

Prostate cancer feeds on testosterone. True. In most cases prostate cancer is a hormone-dependent disease towards testosterone. Therefore, part of the management of the condition in many patients consists of blocking the production of this hormone.

Brachytherapy is a treatment option for prostate cancer. True. Usually, in patients with localized disease or early stages, it is associated with fewer complications than conventional surgical techniques. Within the spectrum of radiotherapy tools, brachytherapy allows to reduce the involvement of neighboring anatomical structures by radiation.

Dr. Jorge Stucchi
Urologist at the Centro Médico Plaza Lima Sur of Clínica Ricardo Palma