by Kyriakos Yiannoukas*
November is internationally recognized as Men's Health Awareness Month, with initiatives such as the “Movember” campaign highlighting the importance of prevention and early diagnosis of conditions affecting men, particularly prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is among the most common cancers in men worldwide. In Cyprus, it is the most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men. According to the cancer registry, approximately 450 new cases are recorded annually in the country. Early diagnosis of prostate cancer is key to reducing mortality and ensuring a better quality of life for patients.
One of the key tools in doctors' diagnostic arsenal for detecting prostate cancer is the measurement of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in blood. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland and can be easily detected with a blood test.
An increase in PSA levels is often associated with the presence of prostate cancer; however, it can also be caused by other conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostatitis. For this reason, the PSA test may be combined with other medical examinations (such as a digital rectal exam, biopsy if the doctor deems it necessary, etc.).
Prostate cancer develops slowly, and many men diagnosed with this type of cancer live for many years without symptoms or the metastasis of the cancer, therefore, a non-life-threatening situation. However, some forms of prostate cancer are very aggressive and spread rapidly. Even in these cases, if the cancer is detected early, it can be treated. For these reasons, PSA testing is primarily recommended for men over the age of 50 with a moderate risk of developing cancer, as well as for men aged 40-45 who belong to high-risk groups, such as those with a family history or of African American descent.
It is important to note that the decision to undergo the PSA test or any other examination should be made in consultation with the patient's doctor, who takes into account the individual's specific characteristics and risk factors. Both awareness of the PSA test and access to reliable information are crucial steps for the early diagnosis and effective management of prostate cancer, always in consultation with specialist doctors.
*Biochemist, President of Yiannoukas Medical Laboratories, BIOIATRIKI Healthcare Group in Cyprus
