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Prostate cancer remains one of the most common and curable forms of cancer among men, provided it is detected early. Yet awareness and routine checkups often lag. As November marks Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Destino Magazine sat down with Dr. Martin Alcazar Castañeda, certified urologist and founder of Integral Health & Surgery, an ambulatory surgery clinic in San Jose del Cabo, to discuss prevention, early detection, and how modern, minimally invasive techniques are transforming patient care in Baja California Sur. From cultural stigma to technological advances, Dr. Alcazar offers a clear message: prostate health can and should be a priority for every man.
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1. A Doctor’s Path and Perspective
How did you first become interested in urology, and what led you to found Integral Health & Surgery?
When you study medicine, you eventually have to choose between the clinical and the surgical path. I realized I was drawn to surgery because it is hands-on and requires decisive action. During my internship, I discovered urology, and I was fascinated by how much it had evolved. Surgeries that once needed large incisions could now be done endoscopically, through natural openings, with faster recovery and less pain. That innovation captured me. Later, founding Integral Health & Surgery came naturally. It was a way to practice medicine with that same philosophy: precision, technology, and genuine patient care.
Urology encompasses a broad range of conditions, from infertility to urological cancers. What makes the field so unique for you?
It’s an incredibly diverse specialty. In urology, you see men, women, and even children with very different problems: kidney stones, infections, reproductive issues, and cancer. That variety keeps you intellectually alive. I’ve never felt that monotony that some specialties have. And because urology relies so much on innovation — lasers, endoscopy, minimally invasive procedures — it allows you to combine science with craftsmanship. Every case is different, but the goal is always the same: to cure with the least possible trauma.
2. Understanding Prostate Cancer
Why is prostate cancer such a significant public health issue for men today, both globally and here in Baja California Sur?
Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among men, not because it cannot be treated, but because it is often detected too late. It is a silent disease. Most men do not experience symptoms until the condition is already advanced. In Mexico, and especially here in Baja California Sur, we still face a cultural barrier. Many men do not go for checkups unless they feel pain. Yet a simple blood test for the prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, can detect problems early and save lives.
You have said that prostate cancer is curable if caught early. What makes early detection so decisive in patient outcomes?
The difference is dramatic. When the tumor is still contained within the prostate capsule, the chances of complete recovery are incredibly high. Surgery or other targeted treatments can remove the cancer entirely. Once it spreads beyond that capsule, treatment becomes more complex and often focuses on controlling rather than curing the disease. The tragedy is that seven out of ten cases we see are diagnosed late. That is why awareness and routine testing are essential. A blood test can cost less than a dinner out, yet it can give you years of life.
3. Prevention, Culture, and Awareness
Many men avoid prostate checkups until they have symptoms. Why does that happen, and how can awareness campaigns help change it?
The main reason is cultural. For generations, men have been taught to ignore discomfort and to see preventive medicine as unnecessary. There is also embarrassment or fear about the exam itself. But awareness campaigns are helping. When people hear about prostate health on television, radio, or social media, it normalizes the topic. They learn that early detection is not complicated. It can be done with a quick blood test and an ultrasound. The more we talk about it, the more we replace fear with knowledge.
There is still stigma and even humor around the prostate exam. How do you address that barrier with patients?
That stigma has caused considerable harm. The rectal exam has been exaggerated and mocked to the point that many men avoid the doctor altogether. In reality, it is no longer a universal requirement. We begin with the PSA blood test and an ultrasound. If there is any doubt, then the rectal exam becomes a valuable tool. It is not old-fashioned or invasive for the sake of it. It is one more way for the physician to detect what machines sometimes miss. A good clinical eye and experience remain irreplaceable.
Are you noticing a shift toward men being more proactive about their health?
Yes, slowly but clearly. When I arrived in Baja California Sur, I often had to explain what a urologist does. Today, thanks to better communication and social networks, men know much more. They understand that urology is not just for older adults. I now see younger patients coming in for preventive checkups, and that gives me hope. Technology helps, but awareness is what truly changes habits.
4. Treatment and the Integral Health & Surgery Approach
When surgery becomes necessary, how has technology changed the experience and recovery process for patients?
The change has been extraordinary. Years ago, prostate surgery meant a large incision, high risk of infection, and a hospital stay of more than a week. Today, with laparoscopic and laser-assisted techniques, patients can often go home the same day or within 24 hours. The wounds are minimal, the recovery is faster, and the precision is greater. Technology has made surgery safer and less traumatic, both physically and emotionally. Patients are often surprised at how quickly they can return to their everyday lives.
What distinguishes your ambulatory surgery center in the way it approaches urologic care and patient support?
At Integral Health & Surgery, we focus on curing patients, not just treating symptoms. Our surgeries are minimally invasive, often performed with laser or endoscopic techniques that reduce pain and recovery time. We also make sure patients are never alone in the process. If a case becomes complex, it can be placed on observation. We have 24-hour staff on duty and a complete follow-up system. Our goal is to combine high-level medical technology with humane, accessible care. That is what makes the difference.