Prostate health: Importance of PSA screening and managing BPH

Medical experts are highlighting the importance of regular screening for prostate health, noting that prostate cancer often presents no obvious symptoms in its early stages. In Taiwan, prostate cancer is the third most common cancer among men, with nearly 9,985 new cases reported in 2023.

Doctors recommend Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood tests for men over 50 to detect early-stage cancer. Early detection through PSA testing allows for advanced treatments, such as robotic-assisted surgery or minimally invasive ablation techniques, which can preserve nerve function and improve recovery. Currently, approximately 30% of patients in Taiwan are diagnosed at a late stage, which increases treatment complexity.

Separately, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) remains a common condition affecting roughly 50% of men over 50 and 70% of men over 70. While BPH is not cancerous, it causes obstructive symptoms like weak urine flow and irritative symptoms such as frequent nighttime urination. Treatment options range from lifestyle adjustments and medication to minimally invasive procedures like Urolift or steam ablation (Rezum), depending on the severity of the symptoms.