[Prostate cancer unit for an optimal management of prostate cancer unit]

Urologia. 2012;79(1):1-4. doi: 10.5301/RU.2012.8993.
[Article in Italian]

Abstract

Prostate cancer (PC) is established as one of the most important medical problems affecting the male population. PC is the most common solid neoplasm (214 cases per 1000 men) and the second most common cause of cancer death in men. Its management involves several complex issues for both clinicians and patients. An early diagnosis is necessary to implement well-balanced therapeutic options, and the correct evaluation can reduce the risk of overtreatment with its consequential adverse effects. Breast and Prostate cancers, respectively, are the most common cancers in women and in men, and different similarities have been underlined. The paradigm of the patient consulting a multidisciplinary medical team has been an established standard approach in treating breast cancer. Such multidisciplinary approach can offer the same optional care for men with PC as it does for women with breast cancer. A multidisciplinary team (MDT) comprises healthcare professionals from different disciplines whose goal of providing optimal patient care is achieved through coordination and communication with one another. A Prostate Cancer Unit is a place where men can be cared for by specialists in PC, working together within a multi-professional team. The MTD approach guarantees a higher probability for the PC patient to receive adequate information on the disease and on all possible therapeutic strategies, balancing advantages and related side effects. The future of PC patients relies on a successful multidisciplinary collaboration between experienced physicians, which can lead to important advantages in all the phases and aspects of PC management.

Publication types

  • Editorial
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / diagnosis
  • Adenocarcinoma / epidemiology
  • Adenocarcinoma / therapy*
  • Disease Management
  • Early Diagnosis
  • Hospital Units* / organization & administration
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Interdisciplinary Communication
  • Male
  • Patient Care Team
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / therapy*