40% of men over 50 will have prostate disease
The news of the diagnosis of King Charles III, 75, who began a program of regular treatments, put the spotlight on this disease.
King Charles III has cancer. The disease was found during a surgical procedure he underwent on 26 January. He is now under treatment with no intention of pausing his activities, Buckingham Palace announced this Monday (05.02.2024).
The official statement notes that Charles III chose to share his diagnosis to avoid speculation and in the hope that it may help everyone affected by cancer.
“During the King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted and subsequent tests identified a form of cancer,” the statement explains.
According to Buckingham Palace, the British monarch “remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.”
Aging is the most important risk factor for cancer
Aging is the most important risk factor for cancer. Risk rises with age, which does not mean the disease will occur, since many factors shape its appearance and later development:
Smoking
Lifestyle
Genetic inheritance
Sun exposure
Diet, and so on
About prostate cancer
“Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common visceral tumor in men and was the second cause of death in men over 50, after lung cancer, until the end of the 20th century,” says Dr. Gonzalo Vitagliano (MN 102.007), Head of the Oncology Section, Department of Urology, Hospital Alemán.
In recent years, several studies have shown that thanks to early detection programs, the identification of localized, curable tumors has increased and prostate cancer deaths have fallen. Today, thanks to early detection, PCa has become the third cause of death, after lung and colorectal cancer.
“There are treatment options for every case of PCa. However, not every case requires active treatment, and many patients diagnosed with PCa will only be monitored,” the doctor explains, adding that prostate cancer is a multifaceted disease that requires an approach tailored to each individual.
The development of new technologies such as latest-generation radiotherapy and minimally invasive surgery has made it possible to treat this malignancy at early stages with minimal impact on the patient's quality of life.
The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. Located in the pelvis, between the bladder and the urinary sphincter, in front of the rectum. It contains cells that produce part of the seminal fluid that protects and nourishes sperm.
40% of men over 50 will have prostate disease at some point, and that percentage rises over time, reaching 80-90% by age 80. Check-ups, a balanced diet, and early detection are the keys to prostate care.