Data show that in 2020, the number of prostate cancer incidence among men in China will be about 115,000, and the number of deaths will be 51,000, accounting for the sixth and seventh highest incidence and mortality rates of all cancers among men, respectively.
Prostate Cancer caused by delay
Qu Jun (first from right) proceeding operate on a patient (file photo)
Qu Jun, Director of the Urology Department at the Hainan Cancer Hospital, stated that in clinical practice, many cases of prostate cancer are "caused by delay." Mr. Lin, a 65-year-old patient, had recurrent manifestations of urinary abnormalities two years ago, and was found to have ureteral stones and an abnormally elevated prostate-specific antigen index after consultation. The doctor suggests further examinations after the treatment of the stone, but Mr. Lin feels that his body is fine and there is no discomfort. He considered it as a mere abnormality in the indicator and did not take it seriously.
As time passing by, Mr. Lin developed symptoms of bone pain all over his body. After visiting the hospital for examination, he was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer and had already lost the opportunity for surgical treatment.
"I was careless. I should have taken it seriously when the indicators were found to be abnormal. Now its too late for regrets." Mr Lin was very regret.
Qu Jun stated that if men experience symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, increased nighttime urination, difficulty in urination, weak urine flow, etc., it may indicate a problem with the prostate. It is important to go to the hospital early for proper screening and proceed early diagnosis and treatment in order to control the disease within the early stage.
It is recommended that individuals at high risk undergo regular PSA screenings.
Currently, early screening for prostate cancer primarily includes three methods: prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening, digital rectal examination, and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging. Digital rectal examination often causes discomfort and inconvenience for patients. PSA screening only requires a blood test, making it a low-cost, less painful option with high patient compliance. Therefore, most patients choose to undergo PSA screening.
For the PSA screening cycle, Qu Jun suggests that men with a high incidence of prostate cancer after the age of 50 should generally do PSA screening once a year; those with a family genetic history of prostate cancer should insist on PSA screening every year from the age of 40-45.
As a special note, the results of PSA screening are interfered with by a variety of factors such as inflammation, infection, medical manipulation, and sexual intercourse. It is recommended to refrain from prostate massage and sexual activity in the week leading up to the screening. Engaging in these activities may lead to false negative results and potential misinterpretation.
Qu Jun suggests that if a mans PSA result is greater than 4ng/mL, it should be taken seriously. If it is confirmed that PSA levels are continuously rising, there is a possibility of prostate cancer, and further examinations are recommended.
The use of surgical robots brings more benefits to patients
Early screening allows for early treatment, but is there a better way to treat patients who are already in the middle to late stages?
Qu Jun introduced that for early stage prostate cancer without distant metastasis, it can be treated by radical resection surgery or radiation therapy, etc; while middle and late stage or middle and high-risk prostate cancer patients with distant metastasis will be treated by comprehensive treatment such as surgery, radiotherapy and endocrine therapy. Patients with different stages will be treated with individualized, diversified and precise treatment plans based on there differences.
Furthermore, with the advancement of medical technology, surgical robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer has been widely used in clinical practice.
Qu Jun introduced that compared with previous surgical procedures for prostate cancer, robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy has unparalleled advantages in terms of complete tumor removal, precise suturing of the bladder and urethra, and protection of urinary control function.
After all, "robotic surgery" is still operated by human beings, which requires a high level of skill on the surgeon performing the surgery. Currently, the urology surgical expert team at the Hainan Cancer Hospital in China has successfully performed 14 complex urinary system surgeries with the assistance of surgical robots. Postoperative patients have shown good recovery and achieved the expected treatment goals, receiving high praise from both patients and their families.
Introduction of the expert
Text from Huang Fei