Record congress in Lugano against prostate cancer

Di Valerie Linc ·

Over 1000 doctors and researchers in Lugano for international guidelines. 400 cases per year in Ticino.

Contesto

In brief - Record congress in Lugano with over 1000 participants - 400 cases of prostate cancer in Ticino every year - International guidelines on the way - PSA screening recommended for men over 50 with family history ## Key facts - What: International congress on prostate cancer - When: From 9 to 11 May 2024 - Where: Lugano Convention Centre - Who: International doctors and researchers - Participants: 1300 - What: International guidelines for treatment - Who: Panel of 100 experts - What: PSA screening - Who: Men over 50 with family cases Over 1000 doctors and researchers from around the world gathered in Lugano for one of the most important congresses on prostate cancer. The event, which took place from 9 to 11 May 2024 at the Convention Centre, saw a record participation of 1300 professionals. The congress, organized by APCCC (Advanced Prostate Cancer Consensus Conference), aims primarily to define international guidelines for the treatment of prostate cancer, a disease that affects approximately 400 men in Ticino every year. The president of the congress, Silka Gillessen, director of IOSI at EOC (Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale), emphasized the importance of personalized treatment for each patient. 'Each patient is unique and requires personalized treatment. The optimal balance must be found for each individual patient, considering the benefits and side effects.' ### Early diagnosis One of the main challenges in the treatment of prostate cancer is early diagnosis. 'The problem is that the disease does not have many symptoms in an early stage, but with PSA (a screening test) it can be detected quickly,' explained Gillessen. Although there is no general recommendation in Switzerland, for those over fifty who have had other cases in the family, it is advisable to consi...

Dettagli operativi

Implications for Cross-Border Workers The Lugano congress has important implications for cross-border workers in Ticino, a community of over 65,000 people, including around 15,000 residents in the municipalities of Mendrisio, Chiasso, and Campione d'Italia. The definition of international guidelines for prostate cancer care could improve access to advanced and personalized therapies for cross-border workers. For example, therapies such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) or next-generation hormonal therapy could become more accessible. Additionally, promoting early diagnosis through PSA screening could encourage greater awareness among cross-border workers about the importance of prevention. ### Comparisons with the Previous Situation Before this congress, prostate cancer therapies in Ticino followed Swiss national guidelines, last updated in 2018. The definition of new international guidelines represents a significant step forward, as it takes into account the latest scientific discoveries and best practices globally. This could lead to greater effectiveness of therapies and improved quality of life for patients. For example, waiting times for advanced therapies could be reduced from an average of 6-8 weeks to 3-4 weeks. ### Future Scenarios If the new guidelines are adopted globally, cross-border workers in Ticino could benefit from more advanced and personalized therapies. Additionally, promoting early diagnosis through PSA screening could reduce the number of advanced prostate cancer cases, improving patient prognosis. For example, in municipalities like Lugano and Bellinzona, where the male population over 50 is significant, regular screening could reduce advanced cases by 20-30%. ### Concrete Procedures For cross-border workers who wish to under...

Punti chiave

Concrete actions for cross-border workers 1. Consult your general practitioner: Cross-border workers over 50 with a family history of prostate cancer should consult their general practitioner to assess the possibility of undergoing PSA screening. In Ticino, the cost of a PSA test is covered by the Swiss healthcare system, but for cross-border workers employed in Switzerland and residing in Italy, it is important to verify if their national healthcare system covers part of the costs. For example, in Lombardy, the PSA test is free for men over 50 with risk factors. 2. Learn about advanced therapies: Cross-border workers should inform themselves about the latest advanced therapies for prostate cancer and international guidelines that will be defined during the congress. For example, therapies such as cutting-edge radiotherapy or immunotherapy are showing promising results. The congress in Lugano may present data on how these therapies are improving patients' quality of life, with a 30% increase in 5-year survival for some patients. 3. Participate in awareness campaigns: Cross-border workers can participate in awareness campaigns for early diagnosis of prostate cancer organized by local or national associations. For example, the association 'Movember' organizes events in Ticino, such as information courses in Bellinzona and Locarno, where experts explain the importance of early screening. 4. Use online tools: Cross-border workers can use online tools such as the risk calculator to assess their risk of developing prostate cancer and receive personalized advice. These tools can help identify specific risk factors, such as age, family history, and lifestyle, providing a personalized action plan. ### Operational checklist - Check health coverage: Verify if your national h...

Punti chiave

[{"q":"What is PSA and why is it important for the early diagnosis of prostate cancer?","a":"PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) is a marker that can be detected through a simple blood test. It is important for the early diagnosis of prostate cancer because it can detect the presence of cancerous cells even in the absence of symptoms. This allows for timely intervention with more effective therapies."},{"q":"What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?","a":"Prostate cancer may not present symptoms in the early stages. In advanced cases, symptoms may include difficulty urinating, pelvic pain, blood in urine or semen, and erection problems. It is important to undergo regular screenings, especially if you have risk factors such as a family history of prostate cancer."},{"q":"What are the treatment options for prostate cancer?","a":"Treatment options for prostate cancer include surgery, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. The choice of treatment depends on the stage of the cancer, the patient's age, and their overall health condition. The new international guidelines defined during the Lugano congress could offer more advanced and personalized treatment options."}]

Frequently Asked Questions
What is PSA and why is it important for the early diagnosis of prostate cancer?
PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) is a marker that can be detected through a simple blood test. It is important for the early diagnosis of prostate cancer because it can detect the presence of cancerous cells even in the absence of symptoms. This allows for timely intervention with more effective therapies.
What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer may not present symptoms in the early stages. In advanced cases, symptoms may include difficulty urinating, pelvic pain, blood in urine or semen, and erection problems. It is important to undergo regular screenings, especially if you have risk factors such as a family history of prostate cancer.
What are the treatment options for prostate cancer?
Treatment options for prostate cancer include surgery, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. The choice of treatment depends on the stage of the cancer, the patient's age, and their overall health condition. The new international guidelines defined during the Lugano congress could offer more advanced and personalized treatment options.

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