Prostate cancer is a common male cancer in affluent
communities. As advances in medical technology have
brought about new treatment options, patients now find
it easier to cope both physically and psychologically.
How Common is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is the third most common cancer among Hong Kong men. In 2021, there were 3,038 new cases and the incidence was 90 per 100,000. The average age at diagnosis is 71.
What are the Causes And Risk
Factors?
- Family history of prostate cancer increases a person’s
risk of developing the disease
- Diets high in fat may increase a person’s risk of
prostate cancer
What are the Common Symptoms?
Common symptoms of early prostate cancer include:
- Urgency before urinating
- Difficulty in starting urination
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Dribbling after urination
Although these symptoms can be caused by noncancerous enlargement of the prostate, it is important
that you have them checked by a doctor.
How Does the Doctor Make the
Diagnosis?
The following procedures are indicated for patients who
are suspected to have prostate cancer:
- Digital rectal examination: The doctor inserts a
gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum to feel for
abnormalities of the prostate.
- Blood test: A high level of prostate specific antigen
(PSA) in blood may indicate prostate cancer.
- Trans-rectal ultrasound scan: A probe is passed
into the rectum to scan and measure the size of the
prostate.
- Biopsy: A sample of prostate cells can be taken
during trans-rectal ultrasound scan for examination
under the microscope to look for abnormal changes.
How is Prostate Cancer Treated?
The following types of treatment may be given alone or
together, depending on the patient’s condition:
- Surgery can be performed if cancer cells haven’t
spread beyond the prostate. The surgeon may
remove the entire prostate or only part of it, together
with the nearby lymph nodes. Potential side-effects
of radical prostatectomy include impotence or
urinary incontinence. If the tumour is blocking the
urethra, it can be partly resected using a transurethral approach to restore normal urine flow.
- Radiotherapy is less invasive than surgery.
Brachytherapy is a local form of radiotherapy in
which radioactive seeds are implanted into the
tumour site for maximum effect on the tumour
while sparing the urethra, bladder and other nearby
organs. Thus, brachytherapy is less disruptive to
patients’ lives than standard external radiotherapy.
- Hormone therapy controls tumour growth, or
shrinks or eliminates the tumour by reducing the
level of testosterone in the body. Available as oral
medications or injections, hormone therapy can be
given with surgery or radiotherapy for augmented
efficacy.
As prostate cancer often grows very slowly, treatment
may not be indicated at first. Even so, it is important to
have regular check-ups to make sure that the cancer is
not spreading.
Doctors will plan the most appropriate treatment
according to the patient’s condition.
Is There Any Method to Screen for
Prostate Cancer?
If detected early, prostate cancer stands a good chance
of being cured. Men above the age of 50 can elect to
have regular prostate cancer screening. For those with
a family history of prostate cancer, regular screening
could start as early as 40.
We provide a prostate cancer screening package.
Procedures consist of basic physical examination,
medical history taking, digital rectal examination, blood
test for PSA level, trans-rectal ultrasound scan and
follow-up. Please contact us for details.
How Can Prostate Cancer Be
Prevented?
Many cancers can be prevented through adopting a
healthy diet and lifestyle. This applies to cancer of the
prostate as well. The general rule is to eat more fresh
fruits and vegetables, cut down on red meat and highfat food, exercise regularly and do not smoke.