Cancer: the C-word that sends fear down everyone’s spine as it’s one of the leading causes of death globally – claiming almost 10 million deaths in 2020. While there are ongoing clinical trials, and research in hopes of finding a cure for cancer, the National Cancer Institute predicts that the number of new cases will rise to 29.5 million per year, while the number of cancer-related deaths will rise to 16.4 million by 2040.
In Malaysia, prostate cancer is the 4th most common form of cancer, especially amongst the male population. Prostate cancer first begins when abnormal cells are developed in the prostate gland, which is a walnut-sized organ underneath the urinary bladder. The prostate gland is an important organ as it’s responsible for producing semen, and regulating urine flow.
We understand that cancer is intimidating. Tapi jangan putus harapan: prostate cancer is a slow-growing disease, and is highly treatable in the early stages. That’s why it’s important for Malaysians – especially the men – to learn, and be more aware about prostate cancer to help intercept the spread.
Who Is At Risk?
Throughout the world, including Malaysia, prostate cancer is most common amongst the eldery male population, especially those who are above 60 years old. But this doesn’t mean that younger males selamat daripada prostate cancer.
While the causes of prostate cancer isn’t as clear as day, it’s suspected that a combination of factors may have a role in its development. These factors include:
- Age
- Diet
- Environment
- Ethnicity
- Family history and genetics
- Hormones
- Lifestyle
- Obesity
The Signs And Symptoms?
Now that we’re aware that older men are more at risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer, it’s important to be aware of the signs, and symptoms. Some of the common signs, and symptoms of prostate cancer are:
- Urinary Problems
- Urgent need to urinate
- Weak urine flow
- Painful urination
- Blood in urine
- Pain and Numbness
- Lower back pain
- Hip pain
- Chest pain
- Leg or feet numbness
- Sexual Problems
- Painful ejaculation
- Erectile dysfunction
- Blood in semen
Macam Mana Doctor Diagnose Prostate Cancer?
Selalunya doctors will begin with a screening procedure for men who are at risk of prostate cancer whilst discussing a brief overview of the risk factors as well as patients’ screening preference. Prostate screening tests may include:
- Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
- For this procedure, a doctor will insert a gloved, and lubricated finger into the patients’ rectum to examine the prostate. If the doctor finds any abnormalities in the shape, size or texture of the gland, further tests will be conducted
- Prostate-specific Antigen (PSA) Test
- The patients’ blood sample is analysed for PSA, which is a substance that’s naturally produced by the prostate gland. While it’s normal for a small amount of PSA to be present in the bloodstream, it the numbers are unusually high, it may indicate prostate inflammation, infection, enlargement or cancer
- Prostate Biopsy
- An ultrasound-guided biopsy is effective at detecting the presence of prostate cancer. This is done by taking thin sections of tissue from the prostate gland, whether it’s performed under local or general anaesthesia
Ada Banyak Jenis Prostate Cancer Ke?
Yes, there are actually 7 different types of prostate cancer, with the most common to be acinar adenocarcinoma.
- Acinar Adenocarcinomas are cancers that are developed in the gland cells that line the prostate gland
- Ductal Adenocarcinomas are cancers that start in the cells that line the ducts of the prostate gland, with the tendency to grow, and spread faster than acinar adenocarcinoma
- Transitional Cell Cancer are cancers that begin in the cells that line the tube carrying urine to the urethra, and then spreads into the prostate. However, there have been cases where the cancer begins at the prostate, and spreads to the bladder, and nearby tissues
- Squamous Cell Cancer are cancers developed from the flat cells that cover the prostate, and they tend to grow, and spread faster than adenocarcinoma of the prostate
- Small Cell Prostate Cancer is a type of cancer of neuroendocrine cancer, and is made up of small round cells
- Neuroendocrine Tumours (NETs), or also known as Neuroendocrine Neoplasms (NENs) or Neuroendocrine Carcinomas (NECs) are rare forms of tumours that begin in the neuroendocrine cells
- Soft Tissue Sarcomas are cancers that are developed in the connective, and supporting tissues of the body, which includes muscle, nerves, fibrous tissue, blood vessels, and fat
So, once the doctor has determined the type of prostate cancer that the patient is diagnosed with, they will also be able to identify at which stage the cancer is at. And as we all know, there are 4 stages to cancer. However, doctors will also group the diagnosis according to the severity of the disease.
Treatment Options For Prostate Cancer?
Fortunately, some patients may never need to undergo any form of treatment because the cancer grows slowly, and doesn’t spread. However, if they are required to undergo treatment, prostate cancers are highly curable. The treatment options that doctors would recommend are:
- Active surveillance to monitor the cancer growth
- Watchful waiting, which is similar to active surveillance, but is less frequent, and focuses more on symptom management
- Brachytherapy is a form of internal radiation therapy that involves placing radioactive seeds with the prostate to help preserve surrounding tissues
- External beam radiation therapy is when a machine delivers strong X-ray beams directly to the tumour
- Intensity-modulated radiation therapy that delivers powerful doses of radiation to the diseased site
- Systemic therapies is often recommended if the cancer has spread outside the prostate gland, and includes chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and androgen deprivation hormone therapy
- Focal therapy is a slightly newer form of treatment that focuses on treating solely the areas affected by cancer, which uses high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), cryotherapy, laser ablation or photodynamic therapy. However, this form of treatment is recommended for patients whose cancer hasn’t spread
- Prostatectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the infected prostate gland
What Can Men Do?
While prevention isn’t possible, it’s possible for men to minimise the risks of contracting the disease earlier by making simple lifestyle changes such as eating a healthier diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly.
More importantly, it’s highly encouraged for men to undergo an annual check-up, and tumour marker tests for early detection, and prevention. We know it’s a daunting topic, but rest assured that with early detection, prostate cancer is highly curable…
You just have to be willing to get yourself checked.
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Disclaimer: Our content is strictly for educational and informational purposes only. Healthlah.com does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
