A 73-year-old man has been experiencing frequent urination for several months, especially at night. Despite relieving himself, he often feels unsatisfied and has a sensation of incomplete bladder emptying. Initially dismissing these symptoms as minor, he recently underwent further testing after a health check-up indicated potential prostate issues. The test results confirmed that he has prostate cancer.
Symptoms like delayed urination onset, weak urine flow, incomplete bladder emptying, frequent urination, and nocturia – all experienced by him – are typical signs of prostate cancer. These can be mistaken for benign prostatic hyperplasia. The concern is that early-stage cancer often shows few symptoms, and by the time they appear, the cancer may have already advanced.
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in South Korea, affecting 13 out of every 100 male cancer patients
According to recent national cancer statistics of South Korea, prostate cancer was diagnosed in 20,754 men within a year, with a total of 147,684 patients. This means that 13 out of every 100 male cancer patients have prostate cancer. Its incidence has surged dramatically, jumping from the fourth to the second most common cancer among men in just one year.
The prostate gland, located just below the bladder and surrounding the urethra, produces semen and aids sperm movement. Prostate cancer occurs when malignant tumors develop in this gland. It often metastasizes to the bones, leading to incidental discoveries during examinations for bone pain in advanced cases.
Prostate cancer is primarily diagnosed in older men. Dr. Jeong Hwan Son, Chief of Urology at Bundang Jesaeng Hospital, explained that prostate cancer is rare before age 50 but increases rapidly after that, especially in men over 65. He further explained that the aging population, combined with factors like dietary changes, obesity, and smoking, contributes to the steady rise in prostate cancer cases.
Obesity, smoking, and family history are key risk factors… Early-stage survival rates are high, but drop below 50% for stage III and beyond
While the exact causes of prostate cancer remain unclear, research suggests that male hormones play a significant role in its development, given the prostate’s sensitivity to these hormones. High-fat, high-calorie diets are known to increase prostate cancer risk. Family history also significantly raises the likelihood of developing the disease.
Prostate cancer typically progresses slowly, with a five-year survival rate of 96.4%. However, once it reaches stage III or beyond, the survival rate plummets to below 50%, underscoring the critical importance of early detection. Screening methods include digital rectal exams and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests. If abnormalities are found, further confirmation through rectal ultrasound and tissue biopsy is conducted. Following a histological diagnosis, additional imaging tests such as MRI, CT scans, and bone scans determine the cancer’s stage.
Treatment approaches vary based on individual circumstances… Annual screenings recommended for men starting at age 50
Treatment options are diverse, tailored to the cancer’s stage, the patient’s age, and overall health. Dr. Son elaborates that surgery is often the go-to option for localized prostate cancer, such as open surgery, laparoscopic procedures, and robotic-assisted operations. The prostate’s deep pelvic location makes surgery challenging, but advanced robotic systems now allow physicians to overcome anatomical hurdles and precisely excise cancerous tissue, significantly improving surgical accuracy.
Preventing prostate cancer hinges on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Dr. Sung Gu Kang, Professor of Urology at Korea University Anam Hospital, emphasizes that prostate cancer is not the gentle disease it’s sometimes portrayed as. Given its often symptomless early stages, it’s crucial to prioritize prostate health through regular exercise and a balanced diet. Even without symptoms, men should begin annual screenings at age 50, or 40 if there is a family history of the disease.