[Health Tip] Understanding the Rapid Increase of 'Jeonlipseon Cancer' Due to Westernized Diets

Over 40% Increase in Domestic Patients in the Last 5 Years
No Early Symptoms and Similar to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia When Advanced
Regular Checkups Needed for Early Diagnosis
Prevention Through Vegetable Intake and Regular Exercise

Photo by Asia Economy DB

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] Prostate cancer, which occurs in the prostate gland?a reproductive organ found only in men?is one of the cancers that continue to increase due to the westernization of dietary habits. According to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, the number of prostate cancer patients increased by more than 40%, from about 76,000 in 2017 to 110,000 last year. However, since there are no early symptoms and even when symptoms appear, they are often confused with benign prostatic hyperplasia caused by aging, many patients miss the optimal time for treatment.

The prostate, a male reproductive organ, supplies nutrients to sperm and aids their motility by producing prostate fluid, which accounts for 30% of semen. It is located deep below the bladder and has a donut shape surrounding the urethra. Because of this, problems in the prostate can affect the urethra, leading to urinary difficulties.

The issue is that prostate cancer shows almost no symptoms in its early stages, and once it progresses to a certain extent, symptoms similar to benign prostatic hyperplasia appear, making it difficult to distinguish between the two. Symptoms include frequent urination, weak urine flow, and a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. Patients may frequently need to use the bathroom at night, and in severe cases, may be unable to hold urine. Acute urinary retention can also occur, where no urine is passed at all. If the cancer continues to progress and invades the bladder, hematuria (blood in urine) may appear, and if it metastasizes to the spine or pelvis, serious complications such as sensory and motor nerve paralysis can develop.

Because prostate cancer has no early symptoms, regular check-ups are crucial. Even without symptoms, men should undergo testing once a year starting at age 50, and if there is a family history, screening should begin at age 40. Tests include blood tests to check prostate-specific antigen (PSA), digital rectal examination (DRE) to manually assess prostate size, and transrectal ultrasound. If cancer is suspected, a biopsy is performed, typically obtaining tissue samples from 12 areas of the prostate via ultrasound guidance.

Professor Choi Tae-su, Department of Urology, Kangdong Kyung Hee University Hospital.

Treatment for prostate cancer depends on the stage of cancer progression and the patient's condition, and may include surgery, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy. If the cancer is localized to a limited area, surgery can potentially cure it. If the tumor is large and has invaded surrounding tissues, radiation therapy is considered. Prostate cancer is highly responsive to radiation therapy. Notably, robotic surgery is the most actively performed surgical method for prostate cancer. Because the prostate is located deep in the pelvis, robotic surgery allows for better visualization and precise operation, which was difficult with open or laparoscopic surgery. It offers advantages such as less pain and bleeding, more delicate dissection, precise bladder-urethra anastomosis, and improved preservation of neurovascular bundles, leading to early recovery of urinary continence and sexual function.

The increase in prostate cancer patients in Korea is attributed to the westernization of diet. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the United States. Since high-fat meat consumption is identified as a cause, dietary improvements are necessary. Reducing meat intake and adopting a low-fat diet is recommended. There are reports that fruits and vegetables, as well as lycopene in tomatoes, allicin in garlic, curcumin in curry, and catechins in green tea have preventive effects. Professor Choi Tae-soo of the Department of Urology at Kangdong Kyung Hee University Hospital emphasized, "Maintaining an appropriate weight through regular exercise can prevent prostate cancer and reduce metabolic syndrome. Avoiding alcohol and smoking is best, as they can also influence the occurrence of cancers other than prostate cancer."