Back pain is a common ailment among Hong Kongers, but the problem, together with nocturia (nighttime urination) could be symptoms of prostate cancer. In Hong Kong, prostate cancer ranks 3rd among the 10 leading cancers in men, with 2532 new cases in 2019. Men should stay vigilant for any concerning symptoms. 

The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located between the man’s bladder neck and urethra. Prostate cancer develops when abnormal cells form and grow in the gland. The androgen production in the testicles stimulates the growth and functioning of the prostate, which will produce fluid that mixes with sperm and forms semen. Therefore, inhibiting androgen production is a common therapy used to treat prostate cancer.

Common symptoms of prostate cancer

Prostate cancer usually causes no symptoms at its early stage. When the tumour enlarges or undergoes metastasis, it may compress the urethra and cause symptoms including:

-Frequent urination, especially at night.

-Trouble urinating.

-Painful urination or ejaculation

-Blood in urine or semen.

If the cancer cells spread to the bones, patients may feel pain and stiffness in the pelvis or the spine. Lethargy, loss of appetite and weight loss are also common symptoms.

Diagnosis of prostate cancer

To increase prostate cancer's recovery rate, men over 55 are advised to receive regular screening tests even if they experience no prostate problems or symptoms. If your specialist doctor suspects that you have prostate cancer or other prostate diseases, you may be advised to receive further examinations such as ultrasound and MRI scans.

Prostate cancer screening

The doctor will use the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), digital rectal exam (DRE), uroflowmetry and kidney function test for the preliminary assessment of potential prostate cancer.

Blood test

If the patient suffers from a swollen or inflamed prostate gland or prostate cancer, the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level in his blood sample will increase significantly.

Prostate ultrasound scan

Insert a probe from the anus to directly evaluate the actual condition of the swollen prostate and identify any abnormality.

Prostate biopsy

With the aid of prostate ultrasound, a needle will be injected through the rectum into different parts of the prostate. Tissues will then be extracted to assess whether there is benign hyperplasia or a malignant tumour.

Can prostate cancer be cured?

Most prostate cancer cases can be cured by surgery. Laparoscopy offers a minimally-invasive option for prostate cancer treatment by making 4-5 small incisions in and around the belly button where longer surgical instruments will be inserted. With the help of robotic arms, your surgeon can perform the procedure with precision and minimal side effects. If necessary, follow-up treatments such as electrotherapy and hormone therapy can also be used to manage the disease.

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