Colombia pushes prostate cancer screening during Men's Health Week

International Men's Health Week is being observed across Colombia with campaigns urging men to adopt healthier lifestyles, seek regular medical check‑ups and address mental well‑being. Health specialists highlight that prostate cancer is the most common cancer among Colombian men, with more than 16,000 new cases reported each year and over 71,600 prevalent cases.

Early detection is emphasized as crucial: the combination of a PSA blood test and a digital rectal exam can identify tumors before symptoms appear, offering a near‑100% five‑year survival rate when treatment begins early. Around 30 % of cases are still diagnosed at advanced stages, reducing treatment success. Campaigns also advise men not to ignore persistent muscular pain, which can signal chronic conditions.

The initiative aims to break stigma, improve awareness of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and mental health, and encourage preventive actions that could save lives nationwide.