On the occasion of the National Day to Fight Prostate Cancer, observed on November 29th, the National Cancer Institute (INCan) reinforced its call for men aged 40 and over to attend medical check-ups for the early detection of prostate cancer. This initiative is part of a continuous awareness strategy regarding the signs and symptoms of this disease, which is one of the main causes of mortality among the male population in Mexico. Head of the institute's Oncology Urology Department, Miguel Ángel Jiménez Ríos, stated that this effort is supported by the Comprehensive Prostate Cancer Care Program (OPUS), launched in 2019 to structure a care model that prioritizes timely detection. A central component of OPUS is the training of first-contact medical personnel to strengthen diagnostic capabilities at primary care units. He emphasized that over 70% of cases treated at the institute are detected in advanced stages, which limits therapeutic effectiveness and results in poorer clinical outcomes. INCan reiterated that early detection remains the most effective intervention to reduce mortality and improve patients' quality of life, reinforcing its commitment to prevention, comprehensive care, and training healthcare professionals to tackle this disease in a structured and timely manner. According to Globocan data, 26,565 new cases and 7,358 deaths were recorded in 2022, reaffirming its impact as a public health priority. This training program, established in 2023 in collaboration with IMSS Bienestar, has enabled the training of 70 medical professionals and the integration of 56 Health Centers, thus strengthening early diagnosis and reducing critical delays in care. The OPUS program integrates a multidisciplinary model centered on each patient's needs, with participation from specialized services in urology, nutrition, psychology, and rehabilitation, facilitating a comprehensive diagnosis and the definition of a suitable treatment plan for each case. Among the most relevant risk factors, the specialist highlighted age—particularly in men over 45—a family history, and the influence of associated lifestyles such as smoking, alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyles, obesity, and unbalanced diets.
Mexico Intensifies Fight Against Prostate Cancer
Mexico's National Cancer Institute urges men over 40 for early prostate cancer screening. Globocan data shows over 26,000 new cases were recorded in the country in 2022.
