A worry-free future starts with screening

Author: Dong Xingyou, Shapingba Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing University

Reviewer: Liu Shixue, deputy chief physician, Shapingba Hospital affiliated to Chongqing University

With the rapid development of medical technology and the increasing awareness of health among people, early screening for various diseases has become an important means to improve the quality of life and prolong life. Among them, prostate cancer is one of the more common malignant tumors in the elderly male population, and the importance of its early screening cannot be ignored.

1. Understanding prostate cancer: the hidden “killer”

Prostate cancer may not sound as scary as lung cancer and liver cancer, but its potential threat to men's health cannot be ignored. Prostate cancer has an insidious onset, and often lacks specific symptoms in the early stages, or is easily confused with prostate diseases such as prostatitis and prostatic hyperplasia, which means that many patients are already in the middle or late stages when diagnosed, missing the best time for treatment. Therefore, understanding the high-risk population for prostate cancer, identifying its early symptoms and recognizing its potential harm is the first step in effective screening.

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II. Special attention to high-risk groups

The incidence of prostate cancer increases with age, especially for men over 60 years old who are at high risk. In addition, family history is also an important risk factor. At the same time, bad eating habits, such as long-term intake of high-fat diets; and bad lifestyles, including lack of exercise and long periods of sitting, may increase the risk of prostate cancer. In addition, certain occupational factors, such as long-term exposure to harmful chemicals, are also considered potential causes of prostate cancer. In view of the above factors, these high-risk groups should undergo regular prostate cancer screening in order to achieve the goal of early detection, early diagnosis, and early treatment.

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3. Methods and steps for early screening

1. Digital rectal examination (DRE)

DRE is one of the most basic and direct methods for prostate cancer screening. By touching the prostate with fingers, the doctor can make a preliminary assessment of the size, shape, hardness and presence of nodules or lumps on the surface of the prostate. This process is simple and quick, does not require special preparation, and is often a must-have item in men's routine physical examinations.

2. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test

PSA is a glycoprotein produced by prostate acinar and ductal epithelial cells, and its content in the blood is very low under normal circumstances. When the prostate becomes cancerous, the PSA level tends to increase. Therefore, PSA testing has become an important means of prostate cancer screening. However, it is worth noting that an elevated PSA level is not an absolute indication of prostate cancer and needs to be comprehensively evaluated in combination with other clinical information.

3. Biopsy

When the DRE or PSA test results are abnormal, the doctor may recommend a biopsy to obtain a more definitive diagnosis. This process involves collecting a sample of prostate tissue for pathological examination, and directly observing changes in cell morphology under a microscope to determine whether there are cancer cells.

4. MRI

MRI is an advanced medical imaging technology that can provide high-resolution images of the prostate, helping doctors to observe the prostate more clearly and thus find potential lesions. MRI plays an indispensable role in the diagnosis and staging of prostate cancer.

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IV. Treatment and care after early diagnosis

1. Surgery

For early-stage prostate cancer, surgery is one of the first choices, especially for patients who are in good health and whose tumors are confined to the prostate. The most common surgical method is radical prostatectomy, which removes the prostate and surrounding tissues that may be affected to achieve the purpose of radical cure.

2. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy

For some patients who are not suitable for surgery or have a high risk of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are important treatments. Radiotherapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells, while chemotherapy uses drugs to inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells. These two methods are often used alone or in combination, and can also be used as adjuvant treatment measures after surgery to improve the overall treatment effect.

3. Endocrine therapy

Given that the occurrence of prostate cancer is closely related to androgens, endocrine therapy is also one of the commonly used treatments. This therapy uses drugs to reduce the level of androgens in the patient's body, thereby inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. This treatment method is suitable for a variety of situations, such as palliative treatment of advanced prostate cancer.

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4. Psychological counseling

Facing cancer, patients and their families often suffer tremendous psychological pressure. Therefore, it is particularly important to provide professional psychological counseling services. Psychologists or community workers can help patients and their families correctly understand and treat the disease, effectively relieve negative emotions such as anxiety and fear, and enhance their confidence in overcoming the disease.

5. Family support

The family is the strongest support for the patient. Family members should give the patient full care and support, and accompany them through every difficulty in the treatment process. At the same time, family members should also actively participate in the patient's treatment and rehabilitation plan, understand the disease-related knowledge, and provide the patient with necessary help and encouragement.

5. Prevention and improvement of lifestyle habits

In addition to early screening and treatment, the prevention of prostate cancer is also crucial. Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle is an effective way to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Specifically, you should increase the intake of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and low-fat dairy products; reduce the intake of high-fat, high-calorie foods; quit smoking and limit alcohol; maintain moderate physical exercise and a regular work and rest schedule; avoid sitting for long periods of time, etc. In addition, regular physical examinations and prostate cancer screening are also important means of preventing the disease.

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Although prostate cancer is hidden, we have the ability to keep it within a preventable and controllable range through scientific screening, timely diagnosis and treatment, and maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle.