The Ministry of Health announced on May 1 that early detection is essential to prevent the risks associated with prostate cancer. The disease most often affects men over the age of 50 and frequently goes unnoticed in its initial stages because it does not present symptoms.
The ministry said that providing timely information can help prevent this type of cancer and save lives. Julio Palomino Mestanza, a urologist at Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia, explained that the prostate is an organ located below the neck of the bladder and surrounds the urethra. Its main function is to produce about 30% of semen, which contains zinc, citrates, and various enzymes important for sperm survival. He also said it plays a mechanical role during ejaculation by closing off the bladder neck so semen can be propelled outward for fertilization.
Palomino Mestanza said finding prostate cancer early or while it remains within the gland allows curative treatments to be applied, unlike cases detected at advanced stages. “If we find cancer when it is already outside the prostate, treatments exist but their effectiveness decreases; in some cases only disease control rather than cure would be sought. Prevention is important because if we detect prostate cancer early, patients can receive timely treatment and overcome this potentially fatal condition,” he said.
He added that although cancer may initially show no signs, there are common symptoms men should not ignore: reduced strength in urinary stream, straining during urination, or frequent nighttime urination. He recommended those with a family history of prostate cancer begin preventive check-ups from age 45.
Palomino Mestanza also mentioned that one obstacle to preventive check-ups among men are taboos surrounding medical exams. He emphasized that effective diagnosis requires assembling several pieces like a directed medical interview, physical examination including rectal exam, and auxiliary tests such as Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA).
Key recommendations include visiting a urologist annually from age 45 if there is family history—or from age 50 otherwise—maintaining healthy weight and muscle mass appropriate for height, exercising daily, sleeping seven to eight hours per night, managing stress levels, reducing consumption of animal fats in favor of vegetable fats.
