Urologist Urges Early Prostate Cancer Screening Following Israel Aharoni's Diagnosis
The recent prostate cancer diagnosis of Israeli chef and reality show judge Israel Aharoni has reignited public discussion about this common but often silent disease among men. Professor David Margel, head of Innovation, Research, and Risk Management at Assuta Ramat Hahayal, emphasized that prostate cancer is the most prevalent cancer among men in the Western world, with one in nine Israeli men expected to develop it during their lifetime. He warned that the cancer is typically asymptomatic in early stages, making early screening crucial for effective treatment.
Margel highlighted that in the past, many patients were diagnosed only after the cancer had metastasized, often presenting with back pain. Today, about 90% of cases are detected early thanks to simple screening tests, primarily the PSA blood test, which measures a protein produced by the prostate. He recommends men begin screening around age 50, or earlier if there is a family history, stressing not to wait for symptoms such as frequent nighttime urination or weak urine flow, which may indicate benign prostate enlargement rather than cancer.
Addressing fears about prostate examinations, Margel noted that modern diagnostic procedures have improved significantly. Elevated PSA levels now lead first to MRI scans, and biopsies, if needed, are performed under anesthesia with greater precision, sometimes using robotic technology. He also pointed out a cultural stigma surrounding prostate cancer, contrasting it with breast cancer awareness among women. Many men prefer to keep their diagnosis private, which affects public awareness, research funding, and support networks.
Margel referred to prostate cancer as "the breast cancer of men," noting similarities in hormonal influence and age prevalence but lamenting the lower public consciousness. He stressed lifestyle factors also play a role in prostate health, advocating for heart-healthy habits such as exercise, proper diet, and weight management. He reminded men that genetic mutations like BRCA, commonly associated with female breast cancer, also increase prostate cancer risk.
Concluding, Margel urged men not to avoid urologists and to undergo the initial PSA test around age 50, as early detection can save lives and tailor individual monitoring strategies. He emphasized that a single simple test can be the difference between timely treatment and advanced, more dangerous disease.
