Have You Checked Your Prostate Health?... September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

Blue Ribbon Campaign Underway

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, during which the Blue Ribbon Campaign is held globally to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and prevention of prostate cancer.

In September, the Prostate Cancer Awareness Month Blue Ribbon Campaign takes place. [Image source=Clipart Korea]

In Korea, the Korean Urological Foundation and the Korean Urological Oncology Society have been conducting this campaign since 2004.

According to the National Cancer Information Center's statistics by cancer type, the number of prostate cancer cases in 2021 was 18,697, making it the fourth most common cancer among men after lung, stomach, and colorectal cancer. As of 2018, it was also the second most common cancer among Korean men aged 65 and older.

The prostate, one of the male reproductive organs, is a small gland about the size of a walnut that surrounds the urethra below the bladder. It functions to regulate pH for sperm survival and increases sperm motility, producing part of the semen through prostatic fluid.

Malignant tumors that occur in the prostate and its surrounding areas are called prostate cancer. Although the exact cause has not yet been identified, the incidence increases after the age of 50. Risk factors include old age, family history, male hormones, obesity, a Westernized diet, chronic urinary tract infections, and diabetes.

Depending on the stage, prostate cancer is classified as localized, locally advanced, or metastatic. If detected early at the localized stage, the survival rate is relatively high.

However, in the early stages, most patients do not experience symptoms. Many cases are discovered through urological examinations after symptoms such as urinary tract compression, urinary obstruction, dysuria, frequent urination, or hematuria appear, often due to significant cancer progression or accompanying benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Seo Young-eun, a urology specialist at Daedong Hospital, stated, "In Korea, national health screenings are actively conducted according to age and gender for early disease detection. Since breast and cervical cancer screenings are included for women, some people believe that prostate-related tests are also included for men. Unfortunately, they are not currently included, so men over 50 or those with a family history should visit a urologist and undergo a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test."

The Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen in a small blood sample, checking the amount of protein produced by the prostate. Generally, a level of 4.0 ng/mL or lower is considered normal. If the level is abnormal, further tests such as digital rectal examination, transrectal ultrasound, or prostate biopsy may be performed at the physician's discretion to check for prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, or prostatitis.

To prevent prostate cancer, men over 50 are advised to undergo annual PSA blood tests, and those with a family history should start active screening from age 40 to monitor their health status.

Additionally, it is recommended to avoid foods high in calories or animal fat and to consume plenty of fruits and vegetables rich in dietary fiber and antioxidants. Choose exercises suitable for your physical condition to maintain a regular exercise routine and healthy weight, and refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol.