Early Detection Possible with Blood Test
Men Over 50, Regular Check-ups Recommended,
(From left) Professor Lee Jeong-woo of Urology, Professor Kim Young-kyung of Radiation Oncology ⓒKyung Hee Medical Center, ‘[Dailyan = Reporter Kim Hyo-kyung] Prostate cancer, which has a high incidence rate among men over 50, has increased by nearly 60% in the past five years. Prostate cancer can be screened early with a simple blood test (PSA, Prostate-Specific Antigen), making regular check-ups for early diagnosis important.’,
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, ‘According to the national cancer registration statistics on the 20th, the number of prostate cancer cases in 2022 increased by approximately 58% compared to 2017. This is the highest growth rate among cancers in the country, and considering it only occurs in men, its spread is remarkably rapid.’,
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, ‘Professor Lee Jeong-woo from the Department of Urology at Kyung Hee University Hospital said, “Prostate cancer can be cured if detected early, but in its early stages, it is difficult to identify as there are no specific symptoms. Most diagnoses occur when a person goes to the hospital due to increased PSA levels discovered during a health check-up or to address symptoms like frequent urination or nocturia.”‘,
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, ‘The normal PSA level is below 3ng/mL. If it is higher, a detailed examination such as an MRI should be conducted, and if cancer is suspected, a biopsy is performed for confirmation. However, a high level does not always indicate prostate cancer, as PSA can also rise due to prostatitis or benign prostatic hyperplasia.’,
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, ‘Professor Lee emphasized, “If the PSA level is higher than normal, it is advisable to visit a hospital for a detailed examination. Since 90% of patients are over the age of 60 and the risk increases with age, men over 50 should undergo regular PSA tests annually, and those with a family history should start testing at 45.”‘,
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, ‘The most common treatment for prostate cancer confined to the prostate is a radical prostatectomy, which involves removing the prostate and seminal vesicles and connecting the bladder to the urethra. Because the prostate is located deep in the pelvis with nearby nerves and blood vessels, open surgery presents challenges, such as significant bleeding and risks of complications like incontinence and erectile dysfunction.’,
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, ‘Professor Lee added, “Robot surgery offers excellent visualization with a high-resolution camera and involves precise movements, resulting in less bleeding and fewer complications. Recovery is quicker post-surgery, and despite the cost, patient preference for robotic surgery is trending high.”’,
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, ‘Prostate cancer responds well to radiation therapy and is recommended as a primary treatment. If the cancer is confined to the prostate or has invaded nearby lymph nodes without distant metastasis, radiation therapy can be performed alone or in conjunction with hormone therapy for curative purposes.’,
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, ‘Professor Kim Young-kyung from the Department of Radiation Oncology at Kyung Hee University Hospital stated, “Recently, intensity-modulated radiation therapy, which focuses high doses of radiation on the treatment area to minimize damage to surrounding tissues, or image-guided radiation therapy, which accurately identifies the treatment area, is commonly performed. In particular, surface-guided radiation therapy (SGRT) that tracks the body’s surface allows real-time tracking of even slight movements without leaving marks on the skin, enabling more precise radiation therapy.”’