The original article cites 2020 Department of Health data placing prostate cancer third among cancers in men, accounting for 13.9% of new male cancer cases, and 2021 figures showing 5.9% of male cancer deaths. Prostate tumours can grow slowly and remain unnoticed for years. Urinary frequency or difficulty may resemble benign enlargement.
Risk factors The prostate lies between the bladder and penis and contributes fluid to semen. Cancer involves abnormal cell growth and is more common with age. The article notes that diagnosis before 40 is rare, cases increase after 50, and around 80% occur after 65. It lists higher incidence among African-American and white men than Asian men; a two- to threefold risk with family history; high saturated-fat intake; overweight or obesity; and prolonged heavy-metal exposure, such as cadmium.
Symptoms Early symptoms may be mild. Listed signs include a weak urinary stream, frequency or urgency, night-time urination, incontinence, stinging when urinating, blood in urine, night sweats, fatigue and weight loss. Advanced disease can involve difficulty urinating, poor appetite and marked weight loss, bone pain from spread, neurological problems from spinal compression, and lymphoedema caused by obstructed lymph nodes.
Assessment A digital rectal examination checks the prostate’s size and shape, often alongside a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. PSA is produced by the prostate, but benign enlargement or inflammation can also raise levels. These are preliminary assessments. Abnormal findings may lead to ultrasound imaging and biopsy, with tissue taken under ultrasound guidance.
Treatment Choice depends on age, cancer stage and overall health. Surgery can remove localised cancer and aid staging, with PSA used for follow-up after prostate removal. The article describes surgery for fit patients with disease confined to the prostate and a life expectancy over ten years, including open and selected less invasive approaches.
Hormonal treatment suppresses testosterone or blocks androgen receptors to control growth and symptoms, but is not described as curative. Radiotherapy may be external or internal (brachytherapy), may be combined with hormones for locally advanced disease, and can relieve symptoms from bone metastases. The original article also discusses chemotherapy, including for disease unresponsive to hormonal treatment, and cryotherapy using rapid freezing and thawing for selected patients unable to undergo other approaches.
Prevention and early detection The source states that there is no certain way to prevent prostate cancer and encourages a healthy lifestyle, including lower-fat food and avoiding carcinogenic exposures. It contains a recommendation for annual prostate assessment after 40; individual screening decisions should be discussed with a doctor. Early detection and treatment can improve outcomes.
Original reference: Hong Kong Urological Association, https://www.hkua.org/前列腺癌/
This article retains the context of its original publication. It is for general information and does not replace professional medical advice.
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