Alarmed by a sustained rise in prostate cancer cases, Chinese medical experts are urging men over 50 to prioritize early detection through standardized screening protocols. With over 134,000 new diagnoses and 47,500 deaths reported in 2022 alone, the disease has emerged as a critical public health challenge, particularly for aging populations.
The Beijing Society of Integrative Medicine recently launched a nationwide health education initiative combining digital resources and in-person seminars. During National Cancer Week, Beijing Hospital hosted packed sessions where urologist Liu Ming emphasized: "Prostate cancer's slow progression creates false security. By the time symptoms appear, many cases are already advanced."
Data reveals a concerning gap between medical recommendations and public practice. While the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test offers affordable screening, many older men avoid follow-up diagnostics despite abnormal results. "About 70-80% of patients with elevated PSA levels don't pursue further testing," Liu noted, citing misconceptions about cancer detection in asymptomatic individuals.
Medical professionals advocate a three-tiered approach: initial PSA screening, pelvic MRI for abnormal results, and targeted biopsies only when imaging suggests risks. "This strategy reduces unnecessary treatments while catching 80-90% of intermediate-to-high risk cases," Liu explained.
With early-stage prostate cancer showing 90%+ cure rates through surgery or radiation, experts stress the urgency of integrating PSA testing into standard health checkups. As treatment paradigms shift toward chronic disease management, continuous care coordination becomes vital for preserving quality of life and survival outcomes.
