Prostate Cancer: The Most Common Male Cancer

A very common cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men (1.4 million cases/year). The average age at diagnosis is 68. Risk factors: age, family history, Afro-Caribbean origin. Most prostate cancers progress slowly and do not threaten the patient's life.

Screening: the PSA debate

PSA (prostate-specific antigen) testing is an imperfect marker: it can be elevated for benign reasons (hypertrophy, infection) and normal despite cancer. The decision to screen must be discussed individually with the doctor after information on the benefits and risks of overdiagnosis.

Active surveillance

For low-risk cancers, active surveillance (regular monitoring by PSA, MRI, and biopsies) avoids unnecessary treatments and their side effects. Treatment is only offered in case of progression. This strategy is suitable for 30-40% of newly diagnosed patients.

Treatments

Radical prostatectomy (surgery) and radiotherapy are the main curative options. Hormone therapy (androgen deprivation) is the cornerstone of treatment for advanced forms. New hormone therapies (enzalutamide, abiraterone) and PARP inhibitors (for BRCA mutations) improve survival.