Prostate cancer prevention and care (Blue November Campaign) are essential and, according to the National Cancer Institute (INCA), between 2020 and 2022, around 65,840 men have been victimized and will be victims annually. It is the cancer that affects men the most, second only to skin cancer in terms of incidence. However, it represents a significant value of the total number of cases, reaching an average of 16 thousand cases of death per year.
Prostate cancer is more common in men over the age of 40, with pathological changes in this gland appearing around the age of 50. Certain professional occupations are more susceptible to the development of cancer, so it is important to be aware, such as firefighters, professionals in the electronics industry, farmers, miners, the semiconductor and electrode industry, tires, night activities, among others.
What are the signs that something is wrong?
One of the signs that there is something wrong with the prostate is related to the fact that as the tissue of the gland grows and thickens, when it reaches a large volume, it ends up compressing the urethra and obstructing the passage of urine, making urination painful. or difficult and in worse cases causing obstruction and urinary retention. Other signs and symptoms are an increased need or delay in urinating. These complications can lead, in more severe cases, to bladder and kidney problems. Another sign is bone pain, which usually occurs even in more severe cases.
The good news is that if treated at an early stage, there is a high chance of recovery. But when it doesn’t, metastases can spread throughout the body, such as lymph nodes, bones, and the liver. As with all diseases, the best way to fight is prevention. It is worth noting that age is one of the main factors, making it extremely important, so from the age of 45 onwards periodic tests are performed to control PSA and
of touch.
If it is known that there is a family history, especially before the age of 60, attention should be redoubled, as it increases the probability of the incidence of the problem from 3 to 10 times more. Obesity appears as another fact that greatly increases the risk. It is worth investing in healthy habits, more regulated and more nutritious meals, which are the most accessible forms of prevention for everyone. Avoiding the use of alcohol and tobacco is also essential.
How is the treatment?
The forms of treatment for the types of cancer available include the use of drugs, hormone therapy, as well as radiotherapy treatment options, and even surgical techniques for partial or complete resection of the gland.
As actual physiotherapy in these cases?
The role of the physiotherapist will develop immediately after the medical treatment. It is extremely important for the professional to observe the pathological mechanism, the extent of involvement and the time after the operation, as well as to instruct the patient on how the treatment of the affected area will take place, how the muscular system of the pelvic floor works, the position, among other aspects that the professional must evaluate.
The main problems presented by prostate cancer patients are urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. In urinary incontinence, the patient begins to leak urine or changes in the bladder, cannot retain urine, and any involuntary pressure or contraction lets the urine out. The other way is from the sphincter deficit, which when the pressure in the abdomen increases, there is a loss of urine, the so-called stress incontinence.
Erectile dysfunction arises from nerve impingement at the site, due to treatment. The return of an erection, without the use of medications, can vary from three months to a year. The variation depends mainly on age and the type of treatment used. Thus, the younger the patient, the faster the possibility of recovery of the erection.
Physiotherapy treatment should begin as soon as possible, which will begin with kinesiotherapy, biofeedback and electrotherapy techniques. Through kinesiotherapy, the pelvic muscles will be actively worked, to increase the effectiveness of the action of the external urethral ring muscle, which will support the increase in intra-abdominal pressure, preventing the flow of urine.
Biofeedback will also work the pelvic floor muscles to strengthen and train them, increasing resistance and coordination, to regulate urinary control. This technique, which uses an intrarectal electrode, shows the physical therapist the proportion of contraction and relaxation of the patient’s muscles, individually, in addition to identifying physiological or pathophysiological phenomena related to dysfunctions.
muscles.
Last but not least, Electrotherapy will act to stimulate the muscles, but passively, of the muscles of the pelvic floor, strengthening and giving muscle tone. The practice is done through electrodes that can be intrarectal or transcutaneous.
Don’t be another one of the negative prostate cancer statistics. Take care of yourself! Prevention is the best of all remedies.
