EARLY DETECTION OF PROSTATE CANCER: THE ROLE OF THE FAMILY HEALTH TEAM

Abstract

Introduction: Prostate cancer is a tumor that affects the prostate gland and is the second most common type of cancer among men in Brazil, making it a significant public health issue. Studies indicate that prostate cancer prevention is essential, as it significantly increases the chances of cure and symptom remission. Moreover, early diagnosis provides patients with better treatment opportunities. However, prevention and health promotion actions targeted at the male population in Primary Health Care Units (UBS) still face considerable challenges. Objective: To identify prostate cancer prevention actions in primary health care. Methodology: This was a literature review. Data collection took place between February and April 2025. Studies were selected from open-access databases, including the Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), the Nursing Database (BDENF), the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), through the Virtual Health Library (BVS). Inclusion criteria were studies published between 2019 and 2024 in Portuguese or English, that included at least one of the descriptors defined in the search criteria, both in the title and the abstract, and were available for free. Duplicate articles, theses, and monographs were excluded. The search was conducted using the Health Sciences Descriptors (DeCS): Primary health care; Prostate cancer; Nursing care. Data collection included reading the full text of the studies that met the inclusion criteria. After reading, the extracted data were organized into charts or tables. Results: Primary Health Care (APS) is essential for access to the healthcare system in Brazil, but it faces challenges in male care due to cultural and organizational barriers, and the lack of specific strategies. Nursing plays a key role in this context, focusing on health education, prevention guidance, and performing exams such as the digital rectal exam and PSA test, which are fundamental for the early detection of prostate cancer. Educational actions and effective communication between professionals and patients strengthen comprehensive care, promoting greater adherence of men to preventive practices. Conclusion: The study provided insights into the role of the Family Health Strategy (ESF) in the early detection of prostate cancer and highlighted the need for actions that encourage men to adhere to preventive exams, given their distancing from healthcare services. Factors such as difficulty accessing specialists and prejudice related to the exams contribute to late diagnosis. Additionally, it is important to strengthen male health promotion strategies involving all primary health care professionals.