Algiers recorded 4,344 new prostate cancer cases this year, up from 3,500 two years prior, according to cancer registries cited by horizons.dz.
The rising totals reflect shifts in life expectancy and daily routines. The urology department at Mustapha-Pacha University Hospital in Algiers detailed the figures during a November Blue awareness event.
“Plus l’homme avance en âge, plus il risque de développer un cancer,” said Fouad Rabahi, chef du même service, told horizons.dz.
Rabahi recommended screening starting at age 50, or at age 40 for men with a family history of the disease. The campaign aims at early detection rather than causing alarm.
Screening begins with a prostate-specific antigen blood test and a digital rectal examination, sometimes followed by an MRI scan. Rabahi said that an elevated PSA level does not automatically confirm cancer.
Doctors frequently encounter patients at advanced stages because early symptoms remain hidden or deceptive. Pain in the pelvis usually appears only after the disease has progressed.
“Au début, ce cancer localisé est curable, mais peut se transformer en une maladie difficile à traiter,” Rabahi told horizons.dz, pointing out that delayed diagnoses complicate treatment once the cancer spreads to the liver or lungs.
Unchecked systematic screening carries risks of overdiagnosis and unnecessary biopsies. Interpretation of PSA results requires physician evaluation.
Algeria has advanced its surgical, radiotherapeutic, and pharmaceutical treatments for the condition. Authorities plan to introduce surgical robots to improve precision and protect patient quality of life.
General practitioners play a central role in patient prevention and referral. Mustapha-Pacha University Hospital is offering free screening and awareness events throughout November to encourage early medical consultation.
“Il faut lever les tabous et faire comprendre que les troubles urinaires ne signifient pas automatiquement un cancer, mais nécessitent un avis médical,” Rabahi told horizons.dz.
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