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The National Cancer Institute (INCA) estimates that in 2022, there were 71,730 new cases of prostate cancer in Brazil. In November, health professionals and the general community focus on raising awareness about the signs, symptoms, and prevention of this type of cancer during the "Movember" campaign.

Bom Futuro's units and headquarters in Cuiabá held lectures to inform employees about the disease, which caused the deaths of over 16,000 men in 2021 alone. “Movember alerts us that we should not be afraid, ashamed, or hesitant to see a doctor at the first sign or symptom. The campaign provides us with important clarifications,” says Eduardo Fonseca, manager of the Nova Mutum region.

One of the risk factors for prostate cancer is genetic predisposition, as highlighted by machine operator Marcelo da Silva França, an employee at San Diego Farm in the Campo Verde region. “The lecture was very good because I lost my father to this disease in 2015. So, I realized that I need to take care of myself and undergo all the necessary tests,” said the employee.

The presentation on the signs and symptoms of cancer was likely the most interesting part for the employees who attended the events, as expressed by Gerisnaldo da Silva, a bricklayer at Agromar Farm in the Nova Mutum region.

“Sometimes we have a symptom, even if we are not at the 'age' (to do preventive exams), and we don’t say anything or seek help. So, the team clarified everything, for example, that the blood test (PSA) sometimes doesn’t show anything, and that other tests need to be done regularly. We still have a certain taboo, but it's our own prejudice; we need to take care of ourselves,” he stated.

What increases the risk?

• Age: mortality increases after 60 years.

• Father or brother with prostate cancer before the age of 60.

• Overweight and obesity.

• Smoking.

Signs and symptoms:

• Difficulty urinating*

• Decreased urine stream*

• Increased frequency of urination during the day or at night*

• Blood in urine*

• Most of the time, these symptoms are not caused by cancer, but it is important that they are investigated.

In advanced stages, it can cause bone pain, urinary symptoms, or, when more severe, systemic infection or kidney failure.

The best approach is prevention. Men should undergo preventive exams regularly, which include a digital rectal exam and a blood test to evaluate PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels.