- During 2020, 1.41 million new cases and 375,304 deaths from this tumor were detected worldwide.
- In Mexico there is the NOM-048-SSA2-2017 that contains the indications for the correct medical care and detection of prostate cancer.
- Every June 11, World Prostate Cancer Day is commemorated to raise awareness among the male population.
There are different diseases that are already a public health problem due to their high incidence. Some even continue to increase and each year they cause more deaths around the world. The best example is prostate cancer and within the list of fatalities are various celebrities.
Prostate cancer in Mexico and the rest of the world
To get an idea of its impact, just During 2020, 1.41 million new cases and 375,304 deaths were detected worldwide. One of the main reasons is because the tumor is detected in advanced stages in most patients.
On the one hand, the symptoms in the initial phases are non-existent or are confused with minor illnesses. While there are still prejudices in most men that prevent them from going to periodic check-ups.
However, within the national scene, During 2020, 26,742 new cases of this tumor were diagnosed. The figure represents 29.9 percent of all types of cancer in men. Considering these figures, implementing timely diagnostic measures becomes a priority because 70 percent of cases are detected in advanced stages.
No one is safe from prostate cancer
As with other diseases, it is a problem that does not distinguish socioeconomic levels or nationalities. In fact, there are several cases of famous people and celebrities who have had prostate cancer and have even died.
Within the list there are several musicians like Johnny Ramone, Lemmy Kilmister and Frank Zappa. In all cases, very little time elapsed between the time the tumor was detected and the tragic event. If the disease had been identified earlier, perhaps the end would have been different.
For his part, the Chilean writer Pablo Neruda is also part of this list. The winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature and considered one of the most important poets in history died on September 23, 1973, a victim of this disease.
While the British actor Roger Moore He is also part of the group of celebrities who have died from prostate cancer. The actor is remembered because he was the third actor to play secret agent James Bond on the big screen. For seven feature films between 1973 and 1985, he brought to life the iconic character known simply as 007.
How is prostate cancer detected?
First of all, ideally Upon reaching the age of 50, all men must undergo a screening exam. In this case, the digital rectal exam is one of the best known to identify any suspicion. The goal is for the urologist, oncologist, or treating physician to be able to locate lumps or other abnormalities.
Now, in 2018 the Mexican Official Standard NOM-048-SSA2-2017 for the prevention, detection, diagnosis, treatment, epidemiological surveillance and health promotion of benign prostatic growth (prostatic hyperplasia) and prostate cancer (malignant prostate tumor).
Having this document makes it possible to establish the criteria for the diagnosis, treatment and surveillance of those living with this type of cancer. In addition to benefiting not only patients but also doctors and health centers.
For now, we share with you the following graph prepared by the Saludiario editorial team that contains some celebrities who died of prostate cancer.