Prostate Care and Health in Costa Rica
Prostate cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in a man’s prostate gland. The prostate sits just below the bladder. It makes part of the fluid for semen. In young men, the prostate is about the size of a walnut.
Prostate cancer is common in men older than 65 but can affect men in their 40s and 50sThe younger you are the more aggressive and dangerous the prostate cancer. In older men it usually grows slowly and can take years to grow large enough to cause any problems. Most cases are treatable, because they are found with screening tests before the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Although most men may die with prostate cancer, most men do not die from it. Experts don’t know what causes prostate cancer, but they believe that your age, family history (genetics), and race affect your chances of getting it. What you eat, such as foods high in fats, may also play a part.
Some men also suffer from an enlarge prostate as they get older. Middle and older age men who retire in Costa Rica can be assured that Costa Rica’s urologists have the knowledge to handle all of your prostate concerns.
The PSA test is the exam which is used to detect abnormalities in the prostate gland. This test is widely available in Costa Rica. All men over forty should take it yearly especially those who have a history of prostate cancer in their family. This disease is CURABLE if caught in time. Believe it or not I know American men who live here and have never taken the exam. They are basically playing with fire. My friend C who lives in Heredia is 65-years old and a chain smoker and fairly heavy drinker. He once told me he never goes to the doctor or has taken the PSA test.
I have a another friend who lives in Escazú who constantly monitored his high PSA levels for a couple of years. He had a biopsy which was positive and was operated on successfully at Cima hospital. He is very pleased with the results and the quality of care he received. Today he is 100% healthy.
I had other friends that were not so lucky. They both ended up dying of the disease. One fought a brave battle for ten years but eventually succumbed to the disease. Another friend never went to see a doctor until it was way too late. Since the disease is asymptomatic in it’s early stages, the yearly exam is the key and can make the difference between life and death. Both of these people would probably be alive today if they had taken a yearly PSA test.
I am a prostate cancer survivor and still take the PSA every year just to make sure there is no reoccurrence of the disease. I have an excellent Urologist who works at Cima hospital. His name is Arieh Grunhaus and his English is perfect. If you have any concerns please fell free to contact him at 011-506-22081716.





