Cancer de la prostate : Le dépistage précoce, « seule véritable arme de prévention » (Dr Seydou Diallo)
According to Dr. Seydou Diallo, Director General of the National Supply Pharmacy (Sen-PNA), early detection is now the "real watchdog" against prostate cancer, a silent and formidable disease that is wreaking havoc in Senegal.
Each year, at least 1,000 new cases of prostate cancer are recorded in the country. The situation is all the more alarming given that nearly 80% of cases are diagnosed late, significantly reducing patients' chances of survival. "Prostate cancer has become a real public health problem in our country," warns Dr. Diallo, emphasizing that early detection can save lives.
A call to action from age 45
In a context where the disease remains taboo, health authorities are increasing their initiatives. It is within this framework that a walk against prostate cancer was organized as part of Blue November, a month dedicated to the fight against men's cancers.
Dr. Diallo warns: “Don’t wait until you’re 50 to get checked. From age 45, regular screening, annually or every six months, is strongly recommended.” He also urges women to get involved: “Protect your men. Inform your husbands, your brothers, your fathers. Screening should become a habit.”
In addition to screening, prevention relies on lifestyle changes, as risk factors are directly linked to a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and a diet too high in fat, sugar, and salt. The specialist recommends a healthy diet and at least three sessions of physical activity per week.
Lowering costs through pharmaceutical sovereignty
Prostate cancer also represents a heavy financial burden for families, with the cost of treatment reaching up to 400,000 CFA francs.
Faced with this reality, the Senegalese government, through the National Pharmaceutical Agency (Sen-PNA), has lowered the prices of certain medications. Furthermore, Senegal has committed to a policy of pharmaceutical sovereignty. An agreement has been signed with the Investment Promotion and Development Agency (APIX) for the allocation of 9 hectares in the Diass economic zone. The objective is to establish a pharmaceutical complex to produce locally the most commonly used medications in Senegal.
This initiative aims to reduce costs and improve access to treatment throughout the country. Dr. Diallo concludes with a call for widespread mobilization: "If you take just ten minutes of your time, you can get tested and save your life."
For him, prevention rests on three pillars: early detection, a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
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