Cancer de la prostate : Éjaculer 21 fois par mois protège-t-il vraiment ? (3/4)
Should we believe in the virtues of 21 monthly ejaculations? In this third installment of our series on male awareness, Professor Racine Kane, president of the Senegalese Association of Urology, analyzes this American study while also raising awareness of the challenges of late diagnosis, the cost of treatments, and access to care in Senegal.
A study conducted by Harvard researchers suggests a link between 21 ejaculations per month and a reduced risk of prostate cancer. What does this research actually reveal?
There is indeed an observational study that demonstrated a link between having 21 ejaculations per month and a reduced risk of prostate cancer. However, caution is advised when interpreting these results. In scientific terms, an observational study presents a relatively low level of evidence. This does not mean, therefore, that increasing the frequency of sexual intercourse is a recognized method of prevention. It should also be noted that the study focused on ejaculations, and not simply on the frequency of sexual intercourse.
Beyond this study, what is the importance of early detection in the fight against prostate cancer, particularly in the Senegalese context?
Early detection is essential, especially in our context where 80 to 90% of prostate cancers are diagnosed at a late stage. Yet, it is a cancer with a good prognosis when detected early enough. Unfortunately, we still see patients at very advanced stages, where a cure is no longer possible. We are then forced to offer them treatments aimed at alleviating symptoms and prolonging their life expectancy. These treatments are relatively expensive. On the other hand, when the disease is discovered at an early stage, we have the opportunity to cure the patient or, in some cases, to implement appropriate monitoring.
Also read, the first part: "Prostate cancer: Late diagnosis and expensive treatment, a double burden for patients"
Beyond screening, are there scientifically established ways to prevent prostate cancer?
To date, no scientific study has identified a definitively established method of preventing prostate cancer. For us, therefore, the primary weapon remains early detection.
Rectal examinations remain a source of apprehension, even stigmatization, for some men. What message do you have for them?
Above all, communication between doctor and patient needs to be strengthened. When the practitioner takes the time to explain the procedure for a digital rectal exam, the expected results, and especially its importance in diagnosis, patients generally accept the examination more readily. It is true that, when poorly explained, a digital rectal exam can be experienced as a stigmatizing act. However, along with PSA testing, it is one of the essential elements in the diagnosis of prostate cancer. Men must therefore understand that this is first and foremost a medical examination that can help save their lives.
Prostate cancer treatments can have repercussions on sexuality. Doesn't this risk constitute an additional obstacle to screening and treatment?
Indeed, some treatments can have consequences on sexuality. But this should in no way discourage patients. When we talk about cancer, we are primarily talking about prognosis and survival. In the early stages, surgery and radiotherapy can cause side effects on sexual function and urinary continence. However, we now have effective treatments to manage these complications. In many cases, these are temporary effects that can gradually improve over time. Therefore, one should not sacrifice their chances of recovery for fear of potential consequences on their sexuality.
Does Senegal currently have a sufficient number of urologists to ensure adequate patient care throughout the country?
The Senegalese Association of Urology has just under one hundred urologists. I must admit that the situation has changed considerably since I began practicing this specialty. Back then, urologists were mainly concentrated in Dakar and Thiès. Today, they can be found in various regions of Senegal. For example, a city like Touba now has three urology departments. There has therefore been significant progress in the geographical distribution of specialists and in the provision of care.
Also read the second part : "Prostate cancer: What experts reveal about genes, ethnic origin and the pitfalls of screening"
Despite these advances, difficulties in accessing healthcare remain a reality in Senegal. Is prostate cancer exempt from this problem?
Absolutely not. Prostate cancer, unfortunately, is not immune to difficulties in accessing care. In its early stages, the main treatment options are surgery and radiotherapy. However, we are well aware of the constraints associated with radiotherapy in our country. Senegal has only about four radiotherapy machines for the entire country. This often results in interminable waiting lists for patients who need this treatment.
In advanced stages, hormone therapy forms the basis of treatment. But here again, its cost represents a major obstacle. Some treatments, particularly second-line hormone therapy, can cost around 100,000 CFA francs. When the disease progresses and requires a second-line treatment, expenses can increase four or fivefold. It's important to remember that the patients concerned are often elderly, sometimes retired, with limited incomes. This is why we are launching a strong appeal for better financial coverage of these treatments. At this stage of the disease, hormone therapy is often necessary for life. It is therefore essential to find mechanisms to alleviate the financial burden on patients.
Blue November seems to generate less popular enthusiasm than Pink October. How do you explain this difference?
I think Pink October is simply the older sibling of Blue November. Breast cancer awareness began well before prostate cancer awareness. For several years now, the Senegalese Association of Urology has been regularly conducting information and awareness campaigns. We hope that, over time, Blue November will become better known among Senegalese people and that this mobilization will significantly improve the level of information and awareness among men.
After several years of awareness campaigns, are you already seeing concrete results on the ground?
Absolutely. We are already seeing encouraging changes. A few years ago, radical prostatectomy procedures for localized cancers were relatively rare in our practice. Today, they have become much more common. This means that patients are gradually starting to seek medical help at earlier stages of the disease. This is an encouraging indicator that shows we are on the right track. However, we must continue our awareness efforts to reinforce this momentum.
Commentaires (18)
Wassalam❤️
C'est cher et aucun résultat confirmant cancer prostate et je n ose pas arrêter
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