Jinju City Council Member Choi Sinyong: "Prostate Cancer Is the Most Common Male Cancer... Early Detection System Needed"

Four Policy Proposals Including PSA Screening Support for Men Over 50
"Protecting the Health of Middle-Aged and Older Men Through Prevention-Centered Public Health Policies"

Choi Sinyong, a member of the Jinju City Council, has called for the establishment of an early detection system for prostate cancer and urged proactive measures at the local government level.

Choi Sinyong, a member of the Planning and Culture Committee of the Jinju City Council, stated during a five-minute free speech at the 1st plenary session of the 272nd extraordinary session that "since prostate cancer ranks first in cancer incidence among Korean men, it is necessary to establish preventive measures and an early detection system at the community level."

Assemblyman Choi explained, "According to the 2023 National Cancer Registration Statistics, prostate cancer has surpassed lung and stomach cancer to become the most common cancer among Korean men," and added, "One in seven newly diagnosed male cancer patients has prostate cancer, and its incidence rate has increased more than 15-fold compared to 1999."

Photo by Choi Se-yong, Jinju City Council Member

He went on to say, "The incidence rate is especially high among men in their 60s and 70s. Factors such as aging and changes in dietary habits are contributing to this increase," emphasizing that "prostate cancer is no longer just a personal problem but a public health issue that the community must address together."

Assemblyman Choi also pointed out the lack of awareness regarding prostate diseases as a problem. He said, "Symptoms such as weak urine flow, nocturia, and a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying are often dismissed as simply aging, but these are clear warning signs," and stressed, "Since prostate cancer usually has few early symptoms, it is easy to miss the optimal treatment window, making regular check-ups crucial."

He further explained, "While prostate cancer is known as a 'mild cancer,' this only applies when it is detected early. If it progresses to stage 3 or beyond, the treatment process and prognosis become significantly more serious. However, if detected early, the five-year survival rate exceeds 96%."

However, he also pointed out that prostate cancer screening is not currently included in the national cancer screening program, so institutional support is limited. In addition, a significant number of men over 50 are not well informed about the proper screening intervals and methods.

In response, Assemblyman Choi proposed four policy measures: 1) the introduction of PSA (prostate-specific antigen) screening support programs for men over 50; 2) strengthening support for treatment costs for low-income and medically vulnerable groups; 3) providing information and improving awareness regarding prostate diseases; and 4) operating outreach health programs utilizing senior centers and welfare centers for the elderly.

Assemblyman Choi stated, "When the head of a household loses his health, it is not just a personal issue but leads to instability in the family and increases the welfare burden for the community," adding, "Protecting the health of middle-aged and older men is about safeguarding families and preparing for a sustainable future for the region."

He continued, "Prostate cancer being the most common cancer among men is a clear warning sign. Now is the time to move away from the perception that it is simply a matter of age and shift to a systematic, prevention-centered public health administration."

He also requested, "I urge the city administration to actively review these measures so that Jinju can become the healthiest city for middle-aged and older adults, and a leading city focused on preventive healthcare."

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