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Most doctors are sounding the alarm about prostate cancer, since research has confirmed that it is the most common form of cancer in men in Europe and the second most common malignancy in men, after lung cancer.

It is considered one of the “insidious” diseases, since in many cases prostate cancer does not show symptoms.

How important is preventive screening in its treatment?

Given that prostate cancer is a very common phenomenon and is directly linked to age, combined with the ease of the diagnostic process, all men from a certain age and above, should not neglect their annual check-up.

The data we already have at our disposal show that early diagnosis, if the disease is detected at an early stage, then metastases are prevented and in most cases a complete cure is achieved.

In this context and having as a principle that, usually, the average age of onset of prostate cancer is 69 years, with a constantly decreasing age of onset, it is recommended that preventive screening begin at the age of 50 and be performed annually.

However, in cases where there is a family history, then preventive screening should begin earlier, at the age of 40.

What is PSA and what does it have to do with prostate cancer?

PSA (prostate specific antigen) is a protein that is produced by all men and its main role is to liquefy sperm during ejaculation.

The diagnosis of prostate cancer is directly related to the measurement of prostate specific antigen – PSA.

The PSA index test is performed through a simple blood test that all men should do. It should be emphasized that the PSA index does not have a normal value, as its levels change depending on age.

A visit to the urologist is vital, as he is the only specialist who has the necessary knowledge to judge whether further tests are needed and which ones exactly.

What is the role of MRI in prevention?

In recent years, we have had a modern weapon in the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer called Multiparametric Prostate Magnetic Resonance Imaging and is performed in Magnetic Resonance Imaging, in reference centers that have experience and an organized structure.

The main advantage of this MRI is that it can identify the site or sites that are suspicious for cancer, focusing exclusively on the prostate gland and the anatomical structures around it.

What is perineal fusion biopsy of the prostate?

If deemed necessary by the urologist, the next step in diagnosing prostate cancer is a biopsy.

Using new and more advanced technologies, prostate fusion biopsy provides a multitude of benefits over older methods. For example, we will refer to the three-dimensional parallelism of magnetic resonance imaging with live ultrasound images, which result in the accuracy and targeting of suspicious areas.

It should be emphasized that the Athens Medical Center has already purchased and is now in operation, the latest technology biomedical equipment for performing perineal fusion biopsy of the prostate.

By using this method, complications from the biopsy and any infections are eliminated, while at the same time, its success rates are increased. The biopsy procedure is performed under mild general anesthesia and the patient is discharged on the same day.

Specialization and organized hospital structures

Daily updates on new technologies and materials, combined with the continuous investments of the Athens Medical Group in biomedical equipment, allow us to provide the Group’s hospitals with the latest in modern treatment for diseases of the urinary system.

At the same time, and through the high degree of experience and specialization of our Team, we are able to offer the most personalized and minimally invasive solution for each case, no matter how complex it may be.

It is important to realize that even in the difficult times we are experiencing, we should never neglect our health.

At Athens Medical Group, in addition to providing high-quality health services, the safety of its patients, staff and doctors remains a top priority.