Continuing education on prostate cancer in primary care: An experience report

Introduction: Prostate cancer is a condition in which malignant cells develop in the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system responsible for producing part of the seminal fluid. It is one of the most common types of cancer among men aged 50 and over, leading to more resistant patients with complications and deaths. The “Blue November” public health campaign aims to raise awareness about this disease, focusing especially on raising awareness about the adoption of healthier lifestyle habits that act as prevention factors, and early diagnosis through routine exams. Objective: To report the experience of a health action on prostate cancer within the Primary Care system. Method: This is an experience report on a health action on prostate cancer, carried out in November 2022 at the Basic Health Unit in the city of Belém, Alagoas, in which an interdisciplinary health team composed of professionals such as a doctor, nurse, nursing technician, nutritionist, dentist and social worker works, providing care, lectures and educational dynamics in the waiting room. Results: The health professionals who worked in an educational manner in this action were able to promote health knowledge to the men treated at that UBS, the target audience of the campaign, increasing their attendance at multidisciplinary consultations and early diagnosis of prostate cancer, in addition to emphasizing the influence of good lifestyle habits in maintaining positive clinical evaluations, such as a balanced diet and regular physical activity. Conclusion: Since there is still some resistance to achieving comprehensive public health for men, the challenge of diagnosing prostate cancer early is clear, which justifies the importance and relevance of actions such as the one carried out in this action, enabling improvements in health indicators in the long term.