Prostate cancer, prevalent globally, poses significant health risks as 3,000 men are diagnosed annually in Serbia alone.
Former U.S. President
Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, a serious illness that is also prevalent in Serbia.
Reports indicate that Biden's cancer has metastasized to his bones.
Early detection and regular urological examinations are essential for managing prostate cancer.
When diagnosed at an early stage, as in Biden's case, prostate cancer can be treatable.
Men aged 50 and older are recommended to undergo a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test annually, and those with a family history of prostate cancer should begin screening before age 45.
Prostate cancer often does not present early symptoms; however, patients should be vigilant for changes in urination quality, including difficulties and frequent urination, nocturia, reduced urine stream, and blood in urine.
As the disease progresses, bone pain may become a symptom.
It's important to note that elevated PSA levels do not necessarily indicate the presence of prostate cancer, as they can also result from benign prostatic hyperplasia or inflammation.
Risk factors for developing prostate cancer include age, genetics, and certain ethnic backgrounds.
In recent years, innovative treatments have been introduced that significantly alter the disease's course.
Since 2017, the Serbian government has included innovative therapies for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer on its list of covered medications, enhancing treatment options for patients.
In Serbia, prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among men, with approximately 3,000 new cases diagnosed each year.
About 1,000 men die from this disease annually, making it one of the most common malignant tumors in men, following lung and colorectal cancer.