Traditionally, November is celebrated as men’s health month all over the world, and the Latvian Association of Urologists also invites men in Latvia to pay attention to their health this month.
Unfortunately, studies show that the number of men diagnosed with prostate cancer is likely to double by 2040, with 2.9 million cases worldwide each year. Meanwhile, the annual death toll could rise to as high as 85%.
Although the morbidity rate is higher in Western Europe, which can be explained by timely diagnosis, the mortality rates are higher precisely in Eastern European countries. This is directly influenced by men’s habit of avoiding timely visits to the doctor. Urologists remind us that prostate cancer diagnosis begins with a simple PSA blood test, which is paid for by the state twice a year for men aged 50 to 75.
Prostate cancer is still the main cause of death in Latvian men, right after cardiovascular diseases, and its prevalence will only increase. According to a study by the Institute of Cancer Research, London, which was presented this year at the annual congress of the European Association of Urology, it is predicted that the number of diagnosed diseases in the world will increase from 1.4 million per year to 2.9 million in 2020 in 2040.
This means that in 16 years, around 330 men worldwide will be diagnosed with prostate cancer every hour. The reason for this is mainly an aging society and increasing life expectancy.
Prostate cancer detected in the early stages can be completely cured in most cases, reducing the chances of potential side effects. Unfortunately, however, at the very beginning of the disease, prostate cancer may not cause complaints to patients – there is neither pain nor discomfort, and the usual tests, such as a complete blood count, are unchanged. To find out if everything is fine with the health of the prostate, specific blood tests that measure the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) should be performed.
“Once every two years, all men between the ages of 50 and 75 have access to a PSA blood test paid for by the state, while men with a family history of prostate cancer can have it from the age of 45. The good news is that prostate cancer usually develops slowly, so 30 In % cases, this oncological disease should only be observed, no additional treatment or surgical interventions should be performed.Also, it should be kept in mind that an elevated PSA level does not necessarily mean that a man has cancer, but indicates changes in the prostate.
For many men, this may indicate an enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia or inflammation. But to be completely clear about it, a test should be done. By performing this simple blood test, you will ensure not only your own peace of mind, but also your family’s peace of mind,” explains Dr. med. Juris Plonis, President of the Association of Latvian Urologists, Head of the Urology Department of the Paula Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital.
The treatment of prostate cancer has progressed greatly, and the urology departments of Latvia’s largest hospitals are already using world-class diagnostic and treatment equipment. Many of these technologies, including those used in operations, are not only effective, but much more gentle on the male body. Thus, postoperative discomfort is reduced, the man can return to his usual daily life faster, and the possibility of complications is minimized.
In Latvia, four hospitals – Riga Eastern Clinical University Hospital, Paula Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital, Daugavpils Regional Hospital and Liepāja Regional Hospital – have created so-called “green corridors”, where the family doctor will refer if there is a suspicion of oncological disease.
Unfortunately, if you go to the doctor late and the disease is detected in the late stages, it is not always possible to completely prevent the side effects. Therefore, at the moment, the Oncology Patient Support Society “Tree of Life”, in cooperation with the Latvian Urologists Association, has submitted the initiative “A man must live even after impotence caused by prostate cancer” on the participation platform manabalss.lv.
Its goal is to ensure that the reconstruction of the penis after prostate cancer operations is included in the list of operations paid for by the state, similar to how the state currently pays for breast reconstruction for women after breast cancer. This initiative is essential to help men maintain their quality of life and regain their psycho-emotional balance, thus providing them with the opportunity to fully integrate into society even after severe treatment. This is especially important because cancer affects more and more young men today. You can sign the initiative here: https://manabalss.lv/valsts-apmaksata-dzimumlocekla-rekonstrukcija-pec-prostatas-veza-operacijas/show
Urologists remind us that self-care is not a weakness. It is every man’s responsibility to his loved ones and to himself. Don’t neglect annual check-ups and don’t be shy to seek help. Prevention and timely diagnosis of diseases can be every man’s best ally on the way to a happy future.
Men’s Health Month: A Cheeky Look at Prostate Cancer Awareness
Ah, November—when men around the globe are meant to reflect on their health, perhaps while clutching a pint and laughing at terrible knock-knock jokes. Well, here’s a laugh: if you think ignoring that twinge in your lower back is bad, just wait until you hear about prostate cancer! Yes, the Latvian Association of Urologists is here to remind you that now is the time to pay attention to your health—mostly because procrastination is only fun when it involves putting off buying light bulbs, not getting checked for cancer.
Now, brace yourselves: studies suggest that the number of men diagnosed with prostate cancer could double by 2040. We’re looking at 2.9 million cases each year, which is an alarming statistic, unless you were trying to fill an uncomfortable silence at a dinner party. Still, prognosis isn’t all doom and gloom! Early-stage prostate cancer can often be treated effectively, but here’s the kicker: it often comes in without throwing a single painful punch. Just when you think nothing’s wrong, it’s lurking there, plotting. Like a bad horror movie—only it’s your life!
Right now, you may be thinking, “But I’m too tough for tests!” Well, let me address that. Urologists inform us that the first step in detection is as easy as a quick PSA blood test, which, lucky for you, the state pays for—twice a year, no less! That’s right, men aged 50 to 75 can take advantage of this perk. You just have to do the hardest part: actually show up! Now, if you fall into the ‘family history of prostate cancer’ category, you can even start getting tested as early as 45. So, if you thought dodging the doctor’s office was some sort of manly badge of honor, it’s actually just a fast track to becoming an alarming statistic. Cheers!
Let’s talk numbers—that’s where the fun really begins! If my calculations are correct (and I did just get my accountant’s license revoked), by 2040, approximately 330 men worldwide will be diagnosed with prostate cancer… every hour. It’s going to be like the world’s saddest factory assembly line, but instead of assembling toys, we’re assembling unfortunate health outcomes. It’s driven largely by an aging population and the fact that we keep getting better at not dying in our 50s. Maybe less bacon at breakfast could help there?!
Prostate cancer might not send you running for the hills at the outset, since symptoms are rather shy—no discomfort, no pain, just an outright refusal to make your presence known. But don’t let that tempt you into a false sense of security. You wouldn’t put off changing the battery in your smoke alarm just because there’s no smoke, would you? Same principle applies here; get your PSA levels checked.
Dr. Juris Plonis, President of the Latvian Association of Urologists, has aptly noted, “Once every two years…” Sounds simple, right? Yet, the male aversion to routine check-ups seems a bit more intense than the usual avoidance of Netflix shows that ‘just don’t speak to me’. Remember that a high PSA doesn’t directly mean you have cancer; it could just be your prostate trying to tell you that it’s had a rough week, possibly from too much excitement (I mean, what else could it be?).
Now, just to be clear, treatment for prostate cancer has made enormous strides! Latvia’s hospitals have chic new machines that are far less like medieval torture devices and more like gadgets James Bond would use. Less discomfort means you’ll be back loving life in no time—just remember, attending a few too many karaoke nights post-op might not be the best idea.
And here’s a heartfelt initiative you might want to pay attention to: the Oncology Patient Support Society “Tree of Life” wants to make sure that men after prostate surgery don’t just have to navigate life’s difficult waters with only their mental wits. They’re advocating for state-funded penis reconstruction following surgery. Because let’s face it, no one wants to feel like a superhero without their cape, or in this case, their ‘bat signal.’
In summary, gentlemen, self-care isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s about being responsible. Don’t be that guy at the reunion who dodges the doctor like he’s ducking an awkward conversation. Instead, get your check-ups; your loved ones will thank you for it—even if you do have to provide them with the disclaimer that they still have to endure your dad jokes for a few more decades.
Your health is your best asset. So, raise a glass (of water, preferably) and look after yourself, will you? Because a happy future starts with a little self-love—and perhaps a gentle nudge in the direction of the local urologist!
Now, if you’re ready to get serious about your health, you can check out more about the initiative here—yes, it’s time to take that step. Happy Men’s Health Month, fellas!
This November is internationally recognized as Men’s Health Month, and the Latvian Association of Urologists is urging men across Latvia to take charge of their health during this critical period.
Alarming projections suggest that by 2040, the incidence of prostate cancer could double, leading to an estimated 2.9 million diagnoses globally each year. Furthermore, the annual death rate from this disease could surge to a staggering 85%.
While Western Europe exhibits higher morbidity rates due to earlier detection, Eastern European countries grapple with elevated mortality rates, largely attributed to men’s reluctance to seek medical attention promptly. Urologists emphasize that the journey towards diagnosing prostate cancer often begins with a straightforward PSA blood test, which the state covers biannually for men aged 50 to 75.
Prostate cancer remains the second leading cause of death among men in Latvia, following heart-related ailments, with a trend of increasing prevalence. A concerning study conducted by the Institute of Cancer Research in London, unveiled at the European Association of Urology’s annual congress this year, forecasts a rise in global diagnoses from 1.4 million in 2020 to 2.9 million by 2040.
In terms of impact, this translates to approximately 330 men worldwide being diagnosed with prostate cancer every hour over the next 16 years. The primary drivers for this increase are an aging population coupled with greater life expectancy.
Fortunately, if detected early, prostate cancer is potentially curable in most cases, which also helps mitigate the risk of adverse side effects. Regrettably, early-stage prostate cancer often presents no symptoms, resulting in no pain or discomfort, even though standard tests such as a complete blood count yield normal results. To ensure prostate health, men should undergo specific blood tests that assess prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels.
“All men aged 50-75 are entitled to a state-funded PSA blood test every two years; those with a family history of prostate cancer can start testing as early as 45. The silver lining is that prostate cancer typically progresses slowly, making it possible to observe the disease in about 30% of cases, which may not require any further treatment or surgical intervention,” explains Dr. med. Juris Plonis, the President of the Association of Latvian Urologists and Head of Urology at the Paula Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital.
The advancements in prostate cancer treatment have been remarkable, with Latvia’s leading hospitals now equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic technologies. These innovative procedures are not only more effective but also significantly less invasive, minimizing postoperative discomfort and enabling quicker recovery times for men.
In Latvia, four hospitals—Riga Eastern Clinical University Hospital, Paula Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital, Daugavpils Regional Hospital, and Liepāja Regional Hospital—have established “green corridors” for expedited referrals to specialists if a cancer diagnosis is suspected.
However, delaying consultations with healthcare providers can complicate treatment outcomes, particularly in late-stage diagnoses. To combat this unfortunate reality, the Oncology Patient Support Society “Tree of Life,” together with the Latvian Urologists Association, has launched the initiative “A man must live even after impotence caused by prostate cancer” on the civic engagement platform manabalss.lv.
This initiative seeks to add penile reconstruction following prostate cancer surgery to the list of state-covered medical procedures, similar to existing provisions for women’s breast reconstruction post-cancer treatment. Given that cancer increasingly impacts younger men, this measure aims to uphold their quality of life and emotional well-being, facilitating their reintegration into society after significant medical challenges. You can lend your support to this vital initiative here: https://manabalss.lv/valsts-apmaksata-dzimumlocekla-rekonstrukcija-pec-prostatas-veza-operacijas/show
Urologists firmly assert that prioritizing self-care is not a sign of weakness. Every man owes it to himself and his loved ones to remain proactive about his health. Regular check-ups should not be overlooked, and seeking assistance should never be a source of embarrassment. The proactive prevention and early detection of health issues serve as every man’s greatest asset in achieving a fulfilling and healthy future.
Life expectancy after prostate removal
Hospital, and Liepaja Regional Hospital—have made significant strides in providing top-tier prostate cancer treatments. Their efforts include advanced imaging techniques, robotic-assisted surgeries, and novel therapy options that cater to individual patient needs, ensuring that men diagnosed with prostate cancer receive the best possible care.
In addition to these medical advances, support initiatives like the Oncology Patient Support Society “Tree of Life” are making waves by advocating for state-funded penile reconstruction surgery post-prostate cancer treatment. This step acknowledges the importance of physical wellbeing and quality of life for men recovering from such impactful surgeries.
Remember, gents—self-care is not just a trend but a necessity. Embracing your health by scheduling regular check-ups and staying informed about prostate health can make a significant difference in outcomes. Share this vital information with friends and family; after all, creating a community invested in health begins with conversation and awareness.
As we celebrate Men’s Health Month this November, let’s take a moment to act decisively. Encourage each other to prioritize health check-ups, particularly those involving prostate health, and make the time to address any ongoing health concerns. It’s essential because taking care of your health is taking care of those you love.
raise a toast to maintaining good health! A proactive approach today can lead to a healthier tomorrow. Be sure to engage with your medical provider about any questions or concerns, and explore the state-funded services available to you. For further information on prostate health initiatives and to learn more about the importance of state-funded penile reconstruction, visit the [Latvian Association of Urologists](https://manabalss.lv/valsts-apmaksata-dzimumlocekla-rekonstrukcija-pec-prostatas-veza-operacijas/show).
Here’s to a healthier future!
