Vitebsk Oncology Center to hold prostate cancer prevention event for the first time

July 10, Vitebsk / Sergey Kochetov - BELTA /. A prostate cancer prevention campaign will be held for the first time in the Vitebsk region on July 11 on the initiative of the regional clinical oncology dispensary, the head of the polyclinic department of the dispensary, Mikhail Skudsky, told a BELTA correspondent. On the eve of the campaign, starting from June 29, urologists in all medical and polyclinic institutions of the region examined patients and, if neoplasms were suspected, referred them for a comprehensive examination to the oncology dispensary. According to preliminary information, about 70 men have already registered for appointments. The day off was chosen specifically so that all interested men could consult with oncologists. The main goal of the campaign is to draw men's attention to their health problems, as any disorders in the genitourinary system should be a reason to see a doctor, Mikhail Skudsky emphasized. At the same time, low rates of seeking medical help lead to advanced diseases, which are difficult and lengthy to treat. According to statistics, over the past 35 years in Belarus, the number of men diagnosed with this disease has increased 8.1 times, and in terms of prevalence, it ranks third among malignant tumors in men. The Vitebsk Oncology Dispensary has experience in conducting large-scale preventive campaigns. This year marks the fourth such event, but for the first time, men have become the target audience for oncologists. The polyclinic department of the Vitebsk Oncology Dispensary is the only institution in the region where a comprehensive examination of an attending patient is carried out within one day. During this time, specialists of the department perform endoscopic, X-ray, ultrasound examinations, and blood tests for specific tumor markers. If necessary, material is collected for morphological confirmation of the diagnosis, which is also done within the day. In addition, the urology department has mastered operations for the removal of cancerous tumors with simultaneous plastic correction, which allows the patient not only to be cured of cancer but also to maintain their quality of life. -0-