November marks the global month dedicated to raising awareness about prostate cancer, one of the most common oncological diseases in men. Unfortunately, both worldwide and in Bulgaria, many patients discover the disease at a late stage due to the lack of timely preventive examinations. This November, Doverie Medical Center is taking part in initiatives to promote awareness of prostate cancer and encourage regular screening for men aged 50 and above.

As part of this campaign, free examinations with a urologist are being offered at the center on November 21st and 28th. The only requirement is to schedule an appointment in advance.

We spoke with Dr. Dmitry Dmitrenko, a urologist at Doverie Medical Center, to learn more about prostate cancer and the importance of early detection.

“Prostate cancer is one of the most common oncological diseases among men worldwide and is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality,” explains Dr. Dmitrenko. “It’s a malignant tumor that develops in the prostate gland of the male reproductive system, usually arising from glandular cells.”

He emphasizes the importance of preventive examinations, especially for men over 50, as early detection greatly improves prognosis. Risk factors for prostate cancer include age, with men over 70 being most at risk, but it’s increasingly seen in younger men as well. While factors like heredity, diet, and race may play a role, their direct impact on the disease is not fully understood.

Dr. Dmitrenko highlights that symptoms of prostate cancer often overlap with other conditions like prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia, making early detection crucial. Difficulty with urination, especially at night, is a common symptom, but preventive examinations are essential for detecting any abnormalities early on.

The diagnostic tests for prostate cancer include a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, ultrasound examination, and rectal examination. “The PSA test is crucial as it helps gauge the possible presence of carcinoma,” says Dr. Dmitrenko. “Ultrasound and rectal examination provide further details, and if results are concerning, a biopsy is performed for confirmation.”

Treatment options vary depending on the stage of the disease and may include hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery. Dr. Dmitrenko emphasizes the importance of regular check-ups to catch any signs of prostate cancer early, as there’s no foolproof way to prevent it.

“In Bulgaria, there’s a lack of awareness among many men about diseases related to the male reproductive system,” Dr. Dmitrenko notes. “That’s why we urge all men over 50 to get checked annually by a specialist urologist. Detecting carcinoma early is our best defense against it.”