According to specialists, prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men. Unlike many rapidly progressing cancers, prostate cancer often develops slowly and silently over many years. As a result, when detected at an early stage, the chances of successful treatment and long-term disease control are very high.

Who Should Be Particularly Concerned?

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Cam Phuong, Director of the Nuclear Medicine and Oncology Center at Bach Mai Hospital, explains that age is the leading risk factor for prostate cancer.

The risk increases significantly after the age of 50 and is most common among men over 65 years old.

Family history is another important risk factor. Men whose father or brother has been diagnosed with prostate cancer have a considerably higher risk of developing the disease themselves.

In addition, a diet high in animal fats, low consumption of vegetables, obesity, overweight status, and a sedentary lifestyle may further increase the risk.

Do Not Ignore Warning Signs

In its early stages, prostate cancer often causes no obvious symptoms. As the tumor grows and begins to compress the urinary tract, patients may experience:

Frequent nighttime urination that disrupts sleep.
Urinary urgency and difficulty urinating.
The need to strain during urination.
Weak or interrupted urine flow.
A sensation of incomplete bladder emptying.
Particular attention should be paid to warning signs such as blood in the urine, blood in the semen, or pain during ejaculation. These symptoms require immediate medical evaluation, as they may indicate serious conditions, including prostate cancer.

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Cam Phuong, men aged 50 and older should undergo annual prostate cancer screening, even if they have no symptoms. For those with a family history of prostate cancer, screening should begin at age 45.

Early Screening for Early Detection

To help men proactively monitor their prostate health, the Nuclear Medicine and 

Oncology Center at Bach Mai Hospital offers a Prostate Cancer Screening Package with an estimated cost of VND 1,477,000.

The screening package includes:

Total PSA Blood Test
The Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test is one of the most important tools for the early detection of prostate abnormalities and assists physicians in identifying individuals who may require further evaluation.

Prostate Ultrasound
This examination helps assess the size, structure, and potential abnormalities of the prostate gland.

Urinalysis and Basic Blood Tests
These tests help detect urinary tract infections, inflammation, and other urinary conditions that may present with symptoms similar to prostate cancer.

Experts emphasize that detecting prostate cancer at an early stage not only improves treatment outcomes but also significantly reduces the risk of complications, prolongs survival, and enhances quality of life.

Early detection saves lives. Don’t wait for symptoms to become severe before seeking medical attention.