StoriesAs China's visa-free policies continue to expand, an increasing number of international patients are turning to Chinese healthcare. After being diagnosed with prostate cancer in Bangladesh, 75-year-old JOSH (pseudonym) was unable to find an ideal treatment plan locally. Through online research, he learned that Guangdong Pharmaceutical University Guangzhou Fosun Chancheng Hospital (Guangzhou Xinshi Hospital) had extensive experience in urological oncology treatment, and resolutely traveled 2,500 kilometers to seek medical care in China.
Following collaborative treatment by the hospital's Department of Urology, JOSH has recovered well and is preparing for discharge.
(Vice President Song Shengsheng during ward rounds)
From Dhaka to Guangzhou: A 2,500-Kilometer Journey of Hope
Two years ago, JOSH, a resident of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, suddenly experienced urinary frequency and difficulty urinating without any apparent cause. After examination at a local hospital, no significant issues were found—only a slightly elevated inflammation index. JOSH attributed this to age-related deterioration of urinary function and, following his doctor's advice to maintain regular follow-ups, did not take it seriously enough. After two years, his symptoms worsened significantly, and a follow-up examination revealed a diagnosis of prostatic acinar adenocarcinoma!
Faced with limited local medical resources, JOSH's family was plunged into anxiety. His son recalled: "When the diagnosis came, our entire family was both anxious and bewildered." After extensive inquiries, they learned that the Department of Urology at Guangzhou Fosun Chancheng Hospital had rich experience in urological oncology treatment. After detailed consultations regarding the international medical process and treatment plan, JOSH and his son made the resolute decision to cross borders and seek treatment in China.
MDT Team Escort: Rising to the Challenge
"The patient came with full trust and hope for recovery—we could not let him down." With the assistance of international customer service, JOSH smoothly completed registration, examinations, and consultation procedures. Upon arrival at the hospital, Vice President Song Shengsheng, Professor and academic leader of the Department of Urology, immediately led a team to conduct a thorough examination.
However, the situation was far more complex than anticipated: JOSH had multiple underlying conditions, and irregular medication adherence and poor dietary control had left his blood sugar, blood pressure, and cardiac function inadequately managed, with postprandial blood glucose reaching as high as 21.1 mmol/L.
Facing this challenge, the department team maintained close communication with the patient and his family. After obtaining full informed consent, they decided to perform a laparoscopic radical prostatectomy for JOSH.
This surgical approach is one of the most challenging and technically demanding procedures in urology. Compared to traditional open surgery, it offers advantages including minimal trauma, reduced blood loss, and better preservation of urinary continence. However, it also places higher demands on the surgeon: the narrow pelvic operating space and complex urethral reconstruction require meticulous precision at every step.
"As physicians, we always prioritize patient benefit over our own challenges," the urology team emphasized. They quickly mobilized experts from the Department of Endocrinology and Department of Cardiology for a multidisciplinary team (MDT) consultation, tailoring a medication adjustment plan for JOSH, closely monitoring medication adherence and vital indicators to optimize his condition for surgery.
Simultaneously, the team conducted repeated surgical simulations and emergency preparedness drills, planning the surgical duration and ensuring comprehensive preparation.
Compassionate Care: Meeting Diverse Needs with One-Stop Service
After two weeks of careful conditioning, JOSH finally met the physical criteria for surgery. Subsequently, three experts from the urology team, working in coordination with assistants, successfully completed the tumor resection in a 4-hour procedure. On the first postoperative day, JOSH was able to walk and entered the early rehabilitation phase.
"Throughout the entire medical journey, the hospital provided attentive service for JOSH, arranging one-on-one translation to eliminate communication barriers during treatment abroad," Vice President Song Shengsheng added. Given that JOSH would need continued chemotherapy and functional exercises after returning home, his attending physician, Dr. Feng Xuancheng, specially prepared bilingual (Chinese-English) medical records, medication guidelines, and rehabilitation exercise materials for his reference.
(Bilingual medical materials prepared by the department)
Specialist Reminder: Men Over 50 Should Stay Vigilant
Professor Song Shengsheng, academic leader of the Department of Urology, reminds that early symptoms of prostate cancer are often insidious. Many middle-aged and elderly men regard urinary difficulties as a normal sign of "aging" or "natural prostate enlargement"—a habitual perception that inadvertently masks the true disease.
He advises that men experiencing persistent or worsening symptoms such as difficulty urinating, thin or interrupted urine stream, urinary frequency and urgency, increased nocturia, or pain or burning during urination should seek medical attention promptly. Men over 50 should undergo annual prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing.
High-risk individuals—including those with first-degree relatives (father or brother) with prostate cancer, those with sedentary lifestyles and lack of exercise, and those with unhealthy habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption—may consider earlier screening, adhering to the principle of early detection, early diagnosis, and early treatment.