Colombian President Announces His Decision To Undergo Prostate Cancer Surgery

On Monday Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos announced that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and would undergo surgery.

In a televised speech to the nation, Santos, 61, said his doctor and a team of three U.S. experts had recommended the surgery and he would remain in hospital for several days.

Prostate Cancer Screening
PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test and Digital Rectal Examination are two tests that allow detection of prostate cancer at early stages.

The president said he had the 97 percent of possibilities to totally overcome the disease.

Santos also said the surgery had to be done with local anesthetic so that he could continue his work in every moment.

"Local anesthetic will be used during surgery which allows me to keep myconsciousness before, during and after the procedure. I will stay in hospital for a couple of days with some physical limitations, but all times (I will continue to exercise my duties as president," Santos said in hiss peech.

Prostate Cancer: Treatment Options - Surgery, Radiation Therapy, Hormone Therapy
Treatment options of prostate cancer includes waiting, surgery, radiation, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, cryosurgery or biologic therapy.

"I have removed any reservations about my medical history. It is available to everyone and the country will be permanently informed about the surgery and my recovery process," he added.

Meanwhile, according to local Caracol television station, the president's doctor Felipe Gomez said that chemotherapy treatment is dismissed and Santos would return to office within three weeks.

Prostate Specific Antigen [PSA] & Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
PSA blood test is specific to prostate gland but not necessarily a cancer specific test but is commonly used to diagnose prostate cancer.

Source-ANI

Prostate Cancer | Cancer of Prostate - Incidence, Prevention, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
This cancer affects men over the age of 50 years and screening with rectal examination and PSA can help both in early detection and effective treatment