The Health Insurance Fund: More and More Lithuanian Men Are Choosing to Get Tested for Prostate Cancer
Five years ago, approximately one in three men eligible for screening took part in the Prostate Cancer Prevention Programme, whereas last year the figure was almost one in two. Although this is still not enough, it is an important and positive change: prostate cancer may cause no symptoms for a long time, so waiting for symptoms to appear is not the best option.
“It is not only the screening itself that matters, but also what the results can offer. If changes are detected early, a doctor can monitor them or, if necessary, start treatment sooner. In such cases, treatment is more effective and has less impact on a person’s life,” says Jurgita Grigarienė, Adviser at the Service Reimbursement Division of the National Health Insurance Fund.
Do Not Feel the Need to Look for Diseases
The belief that there is no need to have a health check-up if you feel well is the most common reason people give for avoiding or postponing preventive screening in public opinion surveys commissioned by the Health Insurance Fund. Other reasons they mention include a lack of time and fear of the tests or their results.
However, the screening itself does not take long and is much simpler than people sometimes imagine. Under the Prostate Cancer Prevention Programme, screening involves a blood test to measure prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels.
“Sometimes men avoid screening because they fear uncomfortable procedures or believe that an abnormal result automatically means cancer. However, the programme starts with a blood test. Even an elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level does not mean a cancer diagnosis – it is an indication that the patient’s health should be monitored more closely or that further tests may be needed,” emphasises the Health Insurance Fund representative.
Changes to the Programme Starting in September
As of 1 September this year, men aged 50–69 (inclusive) are invited to take part in the Prostate Cancer Prevention Programme. As before, screening should be carried out regularly; however, the arrangements for repeat screening are changing: some men will need to repeat the test less frequently, while others will no longer need further screening.
This means that the lower the PSA level, the less frequently the test needs to be repeated. For example, men aged 50–59 (inclusive) with low PSA levels are advised to undergo repeat screening after five years. In approximately half of men screened, the test shows low PSA levels. If the PSA level is higher but remains within the established normal range, repeat screening is recommended after two years. This applies to approximately one in four men screened. Men aged 60–69 (inclusive) with very low PSA levels no longer need to undergo repeat screening.
Approximately 16% of men who undergo screening have PSA levels above the established threshold. However, even this result does not constitute a diagnosis – it simply means that further tests are needed.
Amendments are currently being prepared to automate invitations to participate in the programme from April next year. Invitations will be sent via the eHealth system and by email, while reminders will also be sent by SMS or post, or communicated by phone. This will make it easier for men to find out when they should undergo screening and ensure they do so on time.
When Should You Not Wait for the Prevention Programme?
The prevention programme is intended for men who have no disease-related symptoms and fall within a specific age group in which the risk of developing the disease increases. However, this is not the only way to take care of prostate health.
If there is a history of prostate cancer in the family and a person is concerned about their own risk, or if a man of any age notices changes in his health, he should consult his family doctor without waiting until he is due for routine preventive screening. The family doctor can assess individual risk factors, prescribe tests if necessary, or refer the patient to a specialist – a urologist.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men in Lithuania. According to Cancer Registry data, more than 2,000 men are diagnosed with the disease every year. Therefore, specialists urge men to undergo screening without waiting for symptoms to appear and to view preventive testing not as a reason for concern, but as an opportunity to learn more about their health and take timely steps to protect it.
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