Prostate cancer screening
Early detection of prostate cancer saves lives. Have a regular and comprehensive examination.
Why is prostate cancer screening important?
The prostate is a gland the size of a chestnut and is one of the internal sex organs in men.
It produces a secretion which, together with the sperm cells from the testicles and fluid from other glands, forms semen.
The prostate is located directly below the bladder and above the pelvic floor muscles.
Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men: In Germany, around 70,000 men are diagnosed with it every year and around 13,000 die as a result.
This form of cancer usually only occurs at an advanced age, with the average age at diagnosis being 70.
Prostate cancer is extremely rare in men under 40.
If the tumor is detected early, there is a chance of recovery in 80 to 90 % of cases.
What examinations are available for prostate cancer screening?
In general, the earlier a cancer is detected, the better the chances of recovery – this also applies to prostate cancer.
There are guidelines that have been developed by experts to provide doctors and patients with guidance on which early detection measures are useful and when they should be started.
The risk-benefit ratio must always be weighed up: The advantage of early detection, namely the avoidance of deaths from prostate cancer, is offset by possible disadvantages such as overdiagnosis and subsequent overtreatment.
Early detection plays a crucial role in detecting malignant changes in the prostate at an early stage – even before symptoms appear – and thus maximizing the chances of a cure. A particular challenge in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer is that tumor growth can progress in different ways: Some tumors are aggressive and metastasize quickly, while others grow very slowly and are less dangerous. However, once the cancer has reached an advanced stage, the chances of recovery are significantly lower.
Rely on our second opinion
Prevention is the best protection. Regular prostate cancer screening can give you peace of mind and enable you to treat any disease in good time. Trust in the experience and expertise of your urologist! I am of course available for a second opinion.