He prostate cancer It is the most common neoplasia in the country and constitutes the main cause of oncological disease in Peruvian men.
Every day, according to data from the Ministry of Health (Minsa), they register eight new diagnoses of this type of cancer and around three deaths daily as a result of the illness.
This statistic places prostate cancer at the center of health concerns at the national level, especially during the month of November, when the International Prostate Cancer Day and the “Month of fight” against this evil.
The Directorate of Cancer Prevention and Control (Dpcan) of the Minsa leads the national campaign “Cancer does not warn, check yourself in time”aimed at early detection, a fundamental element to reduce the impact of the disease.
The objective of this initiative is for men between 50 and 75 years old to access a free and simple test: the exam prostate specific antigen (PSA)which is carried out through a blood sample in the various health centers enabled in Peru.
Between January and October of this year, more than 81,000 men took this testAs confirmed by the director of the Dpcan, Essy Maradiegue.
The campaign extends to all first-level health facilities and includes screening for other prevalent cancers, such as breast, cervix, rectum and skinbut the focus of this cycle is on the prevention and control of prostate cancer.
To meet the demand, the Minsa has deployed 32 laboratories throughout the country, facilitating access to early diagnosis.
Within the visibility actions, the campaign has the participation of the renowned Peruvian actor Charles Thorntonwho joined the preventive message.
At 54 years old, he went to San Isidro Health Center to take the PSA test and encouraged other men to follow his example.
Thornton shared that his father died from a prostate cancer advanced and undetected, reporting that the diagnosis was only known when the disease was in a terminal state.
The actor urged male citizens to act proactively. “Go to your nearest health center, get tested, save yourself. If it’s not you, no one is going to do it”was his call. The campaign seeks to debunk myths about screening and highlight that the test PSA It is fast, safe and painless.
The preventive strategy promoted by the Minsa It is designed to impact the greatest number of men, taking advantage of the anniversary to multiply messages about the importance of anticipating the diagnosis.
All campaign activities are aimed at guaranteeing that every Peruvian has the opportunity to be informed and access screening in their locality, reducing the risk associated with prostate cancer.
The initiative is carried out simultaneously in all of Peruwith an emphasis on informing about the ease of access to authorized laboratories and the free testing. The national effort, highlighted by health authorities, includes information materials and specific care days.
