Prostate cancer in Tenerife, as in many other parts of the world, is a common condition affecting aging men.
On the occasion of European Prostate Health Day, Dr. Guillermo Conde, head of the Urology Department at Quirónsalud Tenerife, Quirónsalud Costa Adeje, and Quirónsalud Vida, recommended that men over 50 undergo regular checkups. For those at higher risk, particularly those with a family history or certain genetic mutations linked to prostate cancer in men and breast cancer in women, this is advised from age 40.
The prostate is a gland with a reproductive function, producing part of the seminal fluid that helps sperm mature and survive. It is about the size and shape of a walnut and sits just at the bladder’s exit.
Benign prostate enlargement is the most common prostate condition, affecting more than half of men over 60. Prostate cancer is the most common tumor in men and the second most diagnosed in the area (after colon cancer). It is estimated that one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer in Tenerife can occur alongside benign enlargement, though the two are entirely different conditions with no direct relationship.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Benign prostate enlargement, also known as BPH, causes gradually worsening symptoms over time. As the gland grows, it can progressively obstruct the urethra, causing bladder function changes. The most common symptoms include increased urinary frequency, urgency, and a weak urinary stream.
As these symptoms worsen, they can significantly affect a man’s quality of life, leading to serious consequences such as urinary retention, potential kidney function impairment, or severe infections like urinary sepsis. “In the early stages, treatment is medical, using various active agents that target prostate and bladder function,” says Dr. Conde. “In advanced stages where oral treatments are ineffective, surgical treatment can be beneficial.”
Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment
Prostate cancer is a disease that may not show symptoms in its early, potentially curable stages. Although most cases are diagnosed after age 65 and progress slowly, it remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in the country.
Dr. Guillermo Conde, coordinator of the urology services at Quirónsalud centers in Tenerife, explains that early diagnosis and prevention are essential strategies for men to have a chance at curative treatment. This highlights the importance of visiting a urologist early. Men tend to be more reluctant to see a urologist compared to women visiting a gynecologist. The necessity of annual screenings for early detection has yet to be well ingrained in the male population, with a lingering stigma around the subject, making it essential to emphasize days like European Prostate Health Day.
Prostate Cancer in Tenerife
Many patients with benign prostate enlargement or prostate cancer will require surgical treatment. The success of these procedures largely depends on technological advances.
For benign prostate enlargement, various laser systems and robotic prostate hydroablation, known as Aquabeam, stand out as treatments, with the latter preserving sexual function better than other methods. For prostate cancer, robotic surgery with the Da Vinci system minimizes tissue damage, helping to avoid feared side effects like incontinence or erectile dysfunction. Currently, the Urology Department at Quirónsalud centers in Tenerife, led by Dr. Guillermo Conde, is the only center in the Canary Islands offering both technologies, serving as a regional reference.
Quirónsalud in the Canary Islands
Quirónsalud is currently present in the Canary Islands with three hospitals on Tenerife, in Costa Adeje and La Orotava. In addition, Quirónsalud has nine medical centers across the island, including those in Tenerife, Candelaria, Los Cristianos, La Laguna, Realejos, Icod, Puerto de La Cruz, Santa Úrsula, and Tejina.
Quirónsalud is the largest healthcare group in Spain and, together with parent company Fresenius-Helios, also in Europe. Beyond Spain, Quirónsalud is active in Latin America as well. The group has over 50,000 professionals across more than 180 healthcare centers, including 59 hospitals with over 8,000 beds. They offer the most advanced technology and a highly specialized team of international reputation.
Leadership
In addition to care, their service is organized into multidisciplinary units and networks, optimizing experience across centers and translating clinical research into practice. Quirónsalud is currently conducting numerous research projects across Spain and leading in various specialties like oncology, cardiology, endocrinology, gynecology, and neurology.
More Information: Rosa Ruiz Aragonés
Director of Territorial Communication
+34 626 023 153 – rosa.ruiz@quironsalud.es
Pixabay © Photography
Prostate Cancer in Tenerife ©
More TRIVIA can be read [HERE].
Interested in Tenerife?
Subscribe to our newsletter and always stay informed about the news on Tenerife.
Enter your first name and a valid email address below. Then click on Subscribe.
