An unexpected confidence. In his latest book, an autobiographical work which appears today, Thursday April 23, Laurent Voulzy, 77, reveals that he fought, in the greatest secrecy, prostate cancer.
A period marked by mourning, the artist having lost his ex-wife, Betty, a year earlier. “Ten years ago I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. It was just before Christmas.”he confides, explaining that he followed his treatment in London, where he lives, without informing his loved ones.
Now cured, the interpreter from Belle-Île-en-Mer wishes above all to convey a message of hope. “I found it important to mention it in my book to say that we can also get through it.”
Understanding prostate cancer
Prostate cancer remains a major public health reality. As Professor Michaël Peyromaure, urologist, recalled in a previous article True Medical“Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. It represents the second cause of death from cancer, behind lung cancer.
In France, this pathology affects nearly 60,000 new patients each year, causing more than 8,000 deaths.
The importance of early detection
The major challenge of this disease lies in its silent evolution. “Prostate cancer rarely causes symptoms early on, making PSA testing even more essential.“, underlines Professor Peyromaure.
When clinical signs appear – such as bone pain, blood in the urine or difficulty urinating – the tumor has often already progressed.
Conversely, in the event of early detection, the chances of recovery are excellent, ranging between 90% and 95%.
Existing therapeutic options
Treatment depends on the stage of the tumor. For localized cancers, three main solutions are proposed:
- Radical prostatectomy: removal of the prostate (by conventional surgery or laparoscopy);
- External radiotherapy: the use of rays to destroy malignant cells;
- Brachytherapy: the implantation of radioactive seeds directly into the organ.
If the disease has progressed, treatment becomes palliative.
“When the tumor has metastasized, the treatment is no longer curative but palliative. This means that it slows down the disease without being able to cure it.“, specifies Professor Peyromaure. In these cases, hormonal therapy is favored to block testosterone, despite notable side effects.
Prevention: a necessary dialogue
If France does not practice systematic screening, experts recommend increased vigilance from the age of 50.
“From the age of 50, every man should have an annual PSA test, combined with a rectal exam.“, advises Professor Peyromaure.
Monitoring which must be initiated from the age of 45 for risk profiles: family history, Afro-Caribbean origins or exposure to pesticides.
By sharing his story, Laurent Voulzy helps to lift the taboo on an illness which, if detected in time, can be overcome. As the singer points out, rapid and appropriate treatment was the key to his remission.