On the occasion of Men's Health Awareness Month, Luxembourg's Ministry of Health and Social Security has reported that it is raising awareness among men of the importance of paying attention to possible prostate cancer symptoms and of making an appointment with their doctor.

The ministry noted that prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men, with more than 520 new cases per year in Luxembourg. It is also the second most deadly cancer, causing 55 deaths in 2019, according to the National Cancer Registry.

Its incidence increases rapidly with age, with a peak observed between 75 and 79 years, although mortality linked to this cancer only increases after the age of 85.

After the age of 50, one in two men develops benign changes in the prostate gland, but the risk of cancer cannot be ruled out. The ministry noted that prostate cancer has symptoms similar to certain benign diseases. It is therefore important to consult one's doctor as soon as the first signs appear in order to get a confirmed diagnosis.

There are also certain risk factors associated with prostate cancer. In particular, older men will be more frequently affected. Obesity, hereditary factors or general family history should also be considered.

In the presence of symptoms or in case of doubt, only a doctor will be able to direct the patient towards appropriate additional tests, namely a blood test for the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and a digital rectal examination. These two tests combined offer the best chance of early detection of prostate cancer, said the ministry. In the event of a high PSA level or abnormalities detected in the prostate gland, other imaging and biopsy-type tests will have to be carried out in order to confirm the diagnosis.

Luxembourg's Minister of Health and Social Security, Martine Deprez, stressed that "it is essential that men know and recognise the symptoms of this cancer, and react quickly when they notice one of the suggestive signs. The earlier the diagnosis is made, the more effective the treatments will be and the better the chances of recovery."

For more information, visit the Sante.lu portal or contact the cancer screening programme coordination centre via tel.: 247-75550 or via email: depistage.cancer@ms.etat.lu.

Fondation Cancer is also raising awareness of prostate cancer this month, with further details available (in French and in German) on its website.