Prostate cancer in Mykolaiv Oblast: 200–250 new cases every year

In Mykolaiv Oblast, men are being urged not to ignore changes in how they feel and to seek medical attention promptly due to the risk of cancer. At a briefing at the Mykolaiv Regional Military Administration, the region’s chief state sanitary doctor, Dmytro Makarov, spoke about the prevalence and dangers of prostate cancer.

“Around 200–250 new cases of prostate cancer are registered in Mykolaiv Oblast every year, and unfortunately, they often end in death,” said Dmytro Makarov.

By comparison, 214 cases of prostate cancer were detected in the region in 2025. This accounted for 7.8% of all registered cancer cases.

The doctor explained that prostate cancer can progress quite differently: some types develop slowly, while others are more aggressive and require an immediate response.

Symptoms to watch out for include:

• difficulty urinating;
• a weak urine stream;
• blood in the urine or semen;
• pain in the lower abdomen and bones;
• significant weight loss;
• erectile dysfunction.

The risk of developing the disease increases with age, especially after 50–55. Family history also matters: cases of prostate cancer in a father, brother, or grandfather.

Dmytro Makarov recommends starting by contacting a family doctor. If necessary, the doctor will refer the patient to a urologist and order additional tests.

Another age-related risk is testicular cancer: unlike prostate cancer, it more often threatens younger men — those between 15 and 45. You should see a doctor if you notice the following changes, although they do not necessarily indicate cancer:

• a lump in a testicle;
• a change in its size or shape;
• a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum.

“Many other conditions have similar symptoms, but if you notice such changes, it is important not to delay seeking help and professional medical advice,” explained Dmytro Makarov.

According to the sanitary doctor, men often put off seeking medical care.

“Men are less likely to go for preventive medical check-ups and often ignore their health, resorting to self-treatment,” said Dmytro Makarov.

The briefing focused on Men’s Health Awareness Month. Every year in November, the international campaign Movember takes place, also known as “Mustache November”. Participants grow mustaches to raise awareness of cancer and mental health.

We previously reported:

• Even Trump said “get well soon”: Biden diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer
• The number of cancer patients in Mykolaiv Oblast has risen since the start of Russia’s invasion
• “You can reduce your risk of developing cancer!” — oncologist at a hospital in the Korabelnyi district
• Cancer rates among the population of the Korabelnyi district