"Brushed Off Weak Urine Flow? It Could Be a Sign of Prostate Cancer [Kok! Health]"

Weaker Urine Stream and Repeated Nocturia
No Noticeable Symptoms in Early-Stage Prostate Cancer—Stay Alert

Symptoms such as a weak urine stream or frequent trips to the bathroom are common among middle-aged and older men. Many experience waking up at night to urinate or a persistent sensation of incomplete emptying even after urination. Most people tend to dismiss these as signs of benign prostatic hyperplasia associated with aging, but it is not uncommon for prostate cancer to be discovered when seeking medical attention for such symptoms.

According to the 2023 National Cancer Registration Statistics released on June 27, 2026, prostate cancer ranked first among male cancers for the first time since the statistics were published. This is attributed to factors such as an aging population, a more Westernized diet, and increased health screenings. Prostate cancer generally has a good prognosis when detected early. The five-year relative survival rate reaches 96.9%, but if detected after it has metastasized to other organs, the rate drops to 51.2%.

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The most significant characteristic of prostate cancer is that it rarely presents with noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Even when symptoms do appear, they often manifest as a weaker urine stream, a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying after urination, frequent urination, nocturia, or urinary urgency—similar to those of benign prostatic hyperplasia. As a result, many delay seeking medical care, assuming these are simply signs of aging.

The risk of prostate cancer increases with age, with a marked surge after the age of 50. Other known risk factors include obesity, diabetes, a high-calorie diet, increased consumption of animal fats, and chronic prostatitis.

As the cancer progresses, symptoms become more pronounced. Difficulty urinating, blood in the urine, or blood mixed with semen may occur. Prostate cancer frequently metastasizes to the bones, and can sometimes be discovered due to pain in the lower back, pelvis, hips, or ribs. If it spreads to the spine, it may cause lower back pain, numbness in the legs, or difficulty walking. If you experience unexplained bone pain in addition to urinary symptoms, a consultation with a urologist should be considered.

The primary tool for early detection of prostate cancer is the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. PSA is a substance produced by the prostate, and its level can be measured through a blood test. However, an elevated PSA level does not always indicate cancer. It can also rise due to benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, or simply aging. Conversely, some prostate cancers may be present even when PSA levels are within the normal range, so the result alone should not be used as the sole criterion. Specialists determine the need for additional tests by considering the patient’s age, symptoms, findings from a digital rectal exam, MRI, and other imaging results.

Treatment varies depending on the stage of the cancer and the patient's condition. If the cancer is confined to the prostate in its early stages, surgery or radiation therapy are the main options. Recently, robotic surgery has become widely practiced, reducing bleeding and shortening recovery time. For low-risk, slow-growing early-stage cancers, active surveillance—regular monitoring without immediate treatment—may be chosen. On the other hand, if the cancer has spread to surrounding tissues, lymph nodes, or bones, hormone therapy, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are combined.

Tae Beomsik, Professor of Urology at Korea University Ansan Hospital, stated, "Even if the PSA level is high, it is often due to benign prostatic hyperplasia or inflammation, so a cancer diagnosis cannot be made based on the PSA level alone." He added, "However, if any abnormal findings are detected, it is important not to delay further examination and to consult a specialist." He continued, "Prostate cancer has a variety of treatment options and generally a good prognosis depending on the stage, but this is only possible with early detection."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.