Urologic cancer refers to cancers that affect organs in the urinary system and occur in both men and women. However, it is more common in men. The types of urological cancer include:
Prostate cancer: Found in the walnut-shaped prostate gland that produces prostate fluid, affecting 1 in 8 men but often treatable. It is the second most common cancer among men worldwide, with an estimated 1.4 million new cases and 375,000 deaths in 2020.
Testicular cancer: Develops in one or both testicles, primarily affecting younger men. Self-exams are recommended monthly to detect lumps or changes in the testicle. Testicular cancer accounts for about 1% of all cancers in men
Penile cancer: Found on the skin or within tissues of the penis, often curable if detected early. It is relatively rare, with around 36,000 new cases worldwide in 2020.
Bladder cancer: Usually affects older adults and commonly develops in the bladder lining. It can be discovered early due to blood in urine, making it highly treatable. According to WHO, it’s the 10th most common cancer globally.
Kidney cancer: Also called Renal cell carcinoma, it is the most prevalent type in adults, presenting symptoms such as blood in urine, rib pain, or kidney area swelling. Various tests are used for diagnosis due to overlapping symptoms with other conditions.
Cancer screening and early treatment
Urologic cancers often lack early warning signs, leading to advanced stages upon symptom recognition. Symptoms vary by cancer type; blood in the urine (without pain) can signal bladder, kidney, or prostate cancer, later progressing to pelvic and back pain. Prostate cancer can also manifest as changes in urination and sexual function. Blood in semen is also another sign of prostate cancer. Testicular or penile cancer can present as visible skin lesions, skin changes, or swelling.
Other risk factors for prostate cancer include aging, obesity and hormonal imbalance. It is also worth noting that black men carry a higher risk of developing prostate cancer.
Latest prostate cancer treatments
One of the minimally invasive procedures used for prostate cancer treatment is the High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). It uses high-frequency sound waves to generate heat that targets and destroys cancer cells within the prostate gland. Your doctor may consider HIFU if your cancer is confined to the prostate gland or recurred inside the gland following previous treatment. However, HIFU is not an option if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. The treatment is available only in select centres or as part of clinical trials.
Regular full body health check-ups are crucial with age, as urologic cancer risk rises. Routine screenings of the abdomen or genitals are essential for early detection, significantly improving treatment outcomes. Early-detected prostate cancer boasts a nearly 100% five-year survival rate, highlighting the importance of regular screenings for optimal health maintenance.
Top global cancer centers for urological cancers
Identifying the best cancer treatment centers worldwide can be challenging. While many major international hospitals offer many forms of urological cancer treatment, our medical travel research team has pinpointed a select few that excel in both infrastructure and specialist expertise in urological cancer treatment, earning them a spot on our list of top international urological and prostate cancer centers.
1. Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace (CHPG), Monaco
The Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace in Monaco is the sole public hospital in the Principality with over 2600 medical professionals. It prioritises quality and personalised care, reflected in its Grade A certification by the French Haute Autorité de Santé (National Health Authority). Treatment options for urological cancers offered here are radiotherapy, surgery, Da Vinci robot-assisted laparoscopy, brachytherapy, Ablatherm heat therapy, endoscopic resection, and more.
2. MD Anderson, USA
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is ranked as the top cancer center in the United States by US News & World Report. For newly diagnosed cancer patients with intermediate to high-risk prostate cancer, MD Anderson offers a choice between surgery and radiation therapy. A notable benefit of being treated at MD Anderson is the access to clinical trials, which may provide better outcomes compared to standard treatments. Additionally, MD Anderson boasts a substantial team of over 1,700 cancer doctors.
3. HIFU Clinic Prostate Cancer Center, Poland
The HIFU Clinic Prostate Cancer Center in Poland specialises in comprehensive diagnostics and advanced treatment for prostate cancer. They utilise minimally invasive techniques such as DaVinci robotic surgery, HoLEP laser, and HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) for the precise removal of both benign and malignant prostate tumours. These methods aim to minimise erectile dysfunction and shorten recovery times.
Moreover, the clinic is Poland’s only provider of Fusion prostate biopsy using the Koelis Trinity system, which is equipped with 3D ultrasound probes for precise biomaterial samples. They also provide prostate cancer screening with the 4Kscore molecular test, which can detect disease risk up to ten years in advance.
4. Acibadem Maslak Hastaneisi, Turkey
Acıbadem is a leading healthcare group in Turkey, with its Maslak hospital boasting 248 patient rooms, 20 operating rooms, and 27 intensive care beds. The hospital excels in urological care, offering nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer and radical cystectomy for bladder cancer. Surgeries for renal and testicular cancers are also performed in collaboration with anesthesiology and intensive care units. Treatments for urologic cancer cases are coordinated in a multi-disciplinary setting with medical oncology and radiotherapy departments, making Acıbadem a top center for prostate cancer in Turkey.
5. Angeles Health, Mexico
Angeles Health is Mexico’s leading medical tourism network, providing access to top-tier medical expertise and cutting-edge facilities in the dynamic landscape of Mexico’s medical tourism sector. It boasts internationally certified full-scale hospitals renowned for their quality.
Its Immunotherapy Institute offers a groundbreaking holistic treatment programme consisting of six steps: Integrative Assessment, Autologous Immune Therapy, Detoxification, Immune Support and Regulation, Cancer Suppression, and Follow-Up. This programme seamlessly combines the best practises of conventional and alternative medicine to revolutionise oncological treatment, promising profound impacts on cancer care.
6. Clinique Generale Beaulieu, Switzerland
Established in 1899, Clinique Générale-Beaulieu is a distinguished private hospital known for its compassionate care, welcoming environment, and luxurious amenities. It consistently ranks among Switzerland’s top private hospitals.
Clinique Générale-Beaulieu also provides comprehensive urological services, from diagnosis to treatment. The hospital has robotic laparoscopy and focal ultrasound therapy (HiFU). Following therapy, patients are subjected to MRI scans and PSA tests as part of active surveillance measures.
7. CUF Hospitals, Portugal
The CUF network has ten hospitals, twelve clinics, and 77 years of experience, making it one of the best healthcare providers in Portugal. It includes a Urology Centre known for its cutting-edge technology and a team of experienced urologists with international recognition. CUF is committed to providing advanced care and conducting research in the field of urology.
8. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, UAE
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is an extension of the US-based Cleveland Clinic’s patient-centred model of care, tailored to meet the specific healthcare needs of the MENA region. The Fatima bint Mubarak Cancer for cancer care features specialized urology clinics that handle complex cases related to bladder, prostate, and kidney disorders. It also provides minimally invasive robotic surgeries and is pioneering kidney transplantation in the UAE through its multidisciplinary organ transplant program.
9. MAX Institute of Cancer Care, India
Max Healthcare stands out as a leading healthcare provider in India, with a robust network of 17 hospitals and a team of over 4,800 doctors. The Max Institute of Cancer Care features over 125 physicians operating across 8 cities in India. Among these, the Nanavati Max Institute of Cancer Care (NMICC) in Mumbai is recognized as a top-tier tertiary care cancer center, offering evidence-based, multidisciplinary cancer treatment led by highly skilled medical oncologists and surgical oncologists. The Cancer Centre is also renowned for its advanced robotic surgery and minimally invasive procedures.
About MTM Global
MTM Global is a UK-based international healthcare consultancy and online travel agency specializing in premier health tourism.
For all corporate and media inquiries, click here.
