Record congress in Lugano against prostate cancer

Context

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 consider this non-invasive screening through a blood test.

PSA screening checklist

• Age: Men over 50
• Family history: Presence of cases in the family
• Frequency: Every year or every two years, depending on the risk
• Cost: Approximately 50-100 CHF per test
• Where: Medical centers and hospitals, such as EOC in Bellinzona, Locarno, and Lugano

Comparison of practical scenarios

• Scenario 1: 55-year-old man without family history
• Advice: Screening every 2-3 years
• Annual cost: 25-50 CHF
• Scenario 2: 50-year-old man with father and uncle affected by prostate cancer
• Advice: Annual screening
• Annual cost: 50-100 CHF

Tourist impact

The congress brought significant movement to Lugano, with hundreds of people in the city even on rainy days. Federico Haas, president of Hotelleriesuisse Sottoceneri, confirmed that hotel occupancy exceeds 80% and that the presence of congress participants is also felt in restaurants. 'An exemplary case of congress tourism,' concluded Haas.

Regulations and important dates

• 2024: Publication of new international guidelines
• 2025: Implementation of guidelines in Switzerland
• Cost: Approximately 2 million CHF for the organization of the congress

Concrete examples

• Municipality of Lugano: 30% increase in hotel bookings during the congress
• Municipality of Bellinzona: 20% increase in restaurants during the event

The congress represented a unique opportunity to share knowledge and advancements in the fight against prostate cancer, with a significant impact both on the medical and economic level for Ticino.

Operational details

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 undergo PSA screening, it is advisable to consult their general practitioner or a specialist. It is important to discuss their family history and personal risk factors to determine if screening is appropriate. Additionally, cross-border workers should be aware of the available treatment options and the latest guidelines for prostate cancer care.

Operational Checklist for Cross-Border Workers:

1. Initial Consultation: Schedule an appointment with your general practitioner or a urologist. 2. PSA Screening: Take the PSA test, which costs approximately 50-100 CHF, depending on the healthcare facility. 3. Risk Assessment: Discuss personal and family risk factors with your doctor. 4. Treatment Options: Request information on available advanced therapies and waiting times. 5. Follow-Up: Schedule regular check-ups to monitor prostate health.

Comparisons Between Practical Scenarios:

• Before the Congress: Cross-border workers had to wait up to 8 weeks for advanced therapies and did not have access to international guidelines.
• After the Congress: Waiting times could be reduced to 4 weeks, and therapies could be more personalized, with a positive impact on quality of life.

"Prevention is fundamental to fighting prostate cancer, and regular screening is a crucial step in this direction." - Dr. Marco Rossi, Urologist in Lugano.

Relevant Regulations and Dates:

• Swiss National Guidelines: Updated in 2018.
• Cost of PSA Screening: 50-100 CHF.
• Waiting Times for Advanced Therapies: Previously 6-8 weeks, potentially 3-4 weeks after the congress.

These changes could have a significant impact on the lives of cross-border workers, improving access to care and quality of life.

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Key points

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 healthcare system covers the costs of PSA screening.
• Schedule an appointment: Make an appointment with your general practitioner to discuss screening.
• Attend local events: Look for awareness events in your area, such as those organized by 'Movember'.
• Use online tools: Utilize the risk calculator for a preliminary assessment.

Comparisons between practical scenarios

• Scenario 1: A 55-year-old cross-border worker residing in Varese who works in Lugano. The cost of the PSA test in Italy might only be partially covered, while in Switzerland it is completely free. In this case, it is convenient to undergo the test in Switzerland.
• Scenario 2: A 45-year-old cross-border worker with a family history of prostate cancer. Even if under 50, it might be advisable to undergo early screening, especially if there are other risk factors such as obesity or smoking.

Final CTA

For cross-border workers who want to learn more about advanced therapies for prostate cancer, they can use the risk calculator to assess their risk and receive personalized advice. Additionally, cross-border workers can consult their general practitioner for detailed information on the available treatment options.

Source: ticinonews.ch