Mr. Zhang, in his 50s, noticed abnormal urination a year ago but didnt take it seriously. Recently, the situation worsened with hematuria and pain. He rushed to the Urology Department at Hainan Cancer Hospital for an examination and was diagnosed with prostate cancer, which had locally metastasized and invaded the surrounding normal tissues.
According to the data from the "China Cancer Statistics Annual Report 2020", prostate cancer ranks 10th in the incidence of male cancers in China. Notably, the incidence rate has increased from 12.1/100,000 people in 2015 to 13.9/100,000 people, showing a rapid growth trend and a tendency towards younger patients.
How can we detect and prevent the harm of prostate cancer in a timely manner?
We specifically interviewed Director Qu Jun from the Urology Department at Hainan Cancer Hospital.
Be Highly Vigilant When These Signs Appear
Director Qu Jun said that the early warning signs of prostate cancer are more obvious than those of many malignant tumors. Therefore, it is relatively more conducive to early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Director Qu Jun introduced that men should be highly vigilant when the following five major signs appear:
1. Abnormal urination. This is one of the most common early symptoms of prostate cancer. Many patients experience frequent urination, urgency, and increased nocturia in the early stage. There are also difficulties in urination, such as a thinner urine stream, straining during urination, and interrupted urine flow. This is because the enlarged tumor compresses the urethra, obstructing the outflow of urine.
2. Hematuria. Some patients may find blood streaks or blood in their urine. Although hematuria is not necessarily caused by prostate tumors, once it occurs, it is necessary to seek medical examination immediately for further investigation.
3. Pain symptoms. Some patients may experience pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen, perineum, lumbosacral region, etc. The pain may be intermittent and easily overlooked, but it is likely caused by the tumor invading the surrounding tissues or nerves.
4. Sexual dysfunction. A small number of patients may experience sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction in the early stage. This is because the tumor affects the nerves or blood vessels that control sexual function.
5. Bone discomfort. When the tumor metastasizes to the bones, it can cause bone pain, commonly in the pelvis, lumbar spine, ribs, and other areas. Some patients even go to the hospital for a fracture examination and only then discover that it is caused by bone metastasis of prostate cancer. Therefore, if there is bone pain without obvious trauma, it must be taken seriously.
Advanced Diagnostic Techniques Facilitate Early Detection
Director Qu Jun stated that with the development of modern medical technology, the early diagnostic techniques for prostate cancer are very advanced and convenient.
Our hospital has carried out painless prostate biopsy diagnosis, prostate-specific antigen testing, and the internationally advanced "18F-PSMA PET/CT" new technology for prostate cancer detection.
Director Qu Jun reminded that once abnormalities are detected, it is advisable to go to a professional cancer prevention and treatment institution for examination as soon as possible.
Diverse Treatment Techniques, and Early Diagnosis and Treatment Are the Key
Prostate cancer is known as an "indolent cancer" because the cancer cells grow slowly and do not cause obvious harm to the patients health in a short period. However, precisely because of this, it is often overlooked. Due to the insidious early symptoms of prostate cancer, many patients are diagnosed at the middle or advanced stage, which poses great difficulties for treatment.
Early diagnosis and treatment are the key. Director Qu Jun said that there are currently diverse and effective treatment methods for early-stage prostate cancer. Early-stage prostate cancer is easy to treat and control, with low treatment costs and little harm to health. Once metastasis occurs, the harm to health becomes uncontrollable.
Guard Against Prostate Risks Prevention Is Crucial
How should men prevent prostate tumors in their daily lives?
Director Qu Jun introduced that the prevention of prostate tumors mainly starts from the following aspects:
1. In terms of diet, reduce the intake of high-fat and high-calorie foods, and eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other foods rich in dietary fiber.
2. Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Exercise moderately, avoid sitting for long periods, and have regular physical examinations.
3. Have regular physical examinations. It is recommended that men over 45 years old have a prostate-related examination every year. For men with a family history of prostate cancer, the examination age should be advanced to 40 years old.
4. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption are also important. The harmful substances in tobacco and alcohol can increase the risk of prostate tumors.
Expert Introduction
Qu Jun
Director of the Urology Department, Chief Physician
Medical Expertise
Diagnosis and treatment of genitourinary tumors and minimally invasive endoscopic treatment. In particular, for genitourinary tumors, complete individualized treatment plans can be developed using new drugs and special drugs based on standardized diagnosis and treatment.
Consulting Hours
All day on Monday
Writer | Liang Shan
Layout | Chen Lin