To mark the launch of Blue November, Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Béchir Ba, a urologist, sheds light on the signs to watch for and the importance of early detection in an interview with Seneweb. Addressing alarming statistics, screening, and prevention, the specialist provides an update on this disease, which is affecting a growing number of men in Senegal.

What is prostate cancer and how does it develop?

Prostate cancer is a malignant proliferation of cells in the prostate gland. Unlike benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which never metastasizes, prostate cancer can spread to other organs, including the bones. It generally develops in three stages:

Localized phase, often silent: The cancer cells remain in the prostate. There are often no symptoms, which explains why the cancer is sometimes detected by a simple PSA test or a rectal exam.

Local and regional extension phase: The cancer can spread inside the prostate, then to nearby tissues and pelvic lymph nodes.

General or metastatic phase: If no treatment is given, cancer cells can reach the bones, liver or lungs via the blood or lymph.

Which age group is most affected in Senegal?

The median age at diagnosis in Senegal is 67 years. The risk increases after age 50 and remains highest between 60 and 70 years. However, due to ethnic and familial factors, we recommend screening from age 45.

Is there reliable data on mortality related to this disease in Senegal?

Unfortunately, the data is not entirely reliable, as there is no functioning national cancer registry. According to Globocan 2022, prostate cancer is the fourth most common cancer in Senegal, with an estimated 913 cases per year and 494 deaths. These figures are likely underestimated. Prostate cancer is also the third most frequently treated cancer with radiotherapy in the country, after breast and cervical cancer.

What message would you like to convey to Senegalese men?

Prostate cancer can remain silent until it's too late. Regular screening is essential, especially after age 45, to detect the disease at a stage when it is still treatable.