Prostate Cancer

Prostate Cancer

Prostate Cancer is the 4th most common cancer among Malaysian men. Very few prostate cancers occur in men under 50 years of age. The rate increases sharply with age and is highest in the oldest age group.

Leading the Way in Prostate Health

Subang Jaya Medical Centre has written this booklet to help patients with prostate cancer and their families and friends better understand this disease. We hope others will read it as well to learn more about prostate cancer.

As a comprehensive cancer centre – SJMC Cancer and Radiosurgery Centre is recognised for its expertise and leadership in advanced cancer treatment and as a one-stop cancer centre designed to provide patient-focused care in a comfortable and safe environment.

It is our hope that this brochure will provide you with relevant information and coping techniques as well as answer some of the questions you may have. This brochure only serves as a guide and its contents are not to be taken as medical advice. You will still need to discuss with your doctor the best treatment option for you.

Stage I

Cancer is found in the prostate only, usually during another medical procedure. It cannot be felt during the Digital Rectal Examination or seen on imaging tests.

Stage II

This stage describes a tumor that is too small to be felt or seen on imaging tests. Or, it describes a slightly larger tumor that can be felt during a Digital Rectal Examination. The cancer has not spread outside of the prostate gland.

Stage III

The cancer has spread beyond the outer layer of the prostate into nearby tissues. It may also have spread to the seminal vesicles.

Stage IV

This stage describes any tumor that has spread to other parts of the body, such as the bladder, rectum, bone, liver, lungs, or lymph nodes.

Risk Factors

There is no known exact cause of prostate cancer. Doctors often cannot explain why one man develops prostate cancer and another does not. However, research has shown that men with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop prostate cancer.

Age Over 65

Age is the main risk factor for prostate cancer. The chance of getting prostate cancer increases as you get older. This disease is rare in men under 45.

Family History

Your risk is higher if your father, brother, or son had prostate cancer.

Race

Prostate cancer is more common among male Caucasians compared to Asian men.

Diet

Some studies suggest that men who eat a diet high in animal fat or meat may be at an increased risk of prostate cancer. Men who eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may have a lower risk.

Signs and Symptoms

Many men with prostate cancer experience no symptoms; the first indicator that they may have the disease is often an abnormal finding in their routine screening test. Others may notice one or more of the following symptoms:

• Blood in urine
• Frequent urination (or an inability to urinate)
• Trouble starting or holding back urine flow
• Pain in the lower back or hips
• Painful ejaculation or inability to have an erection

Some of these symptoms could also be a sign of a common, non-cancerous condition called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), an enlargement of the prostate gland. It is important to seek medical attention for any of these symptoms to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

Screening and Testing

Prostate cancer can be diagnosed through the following clinical findings and laboratory tests.

• Digital rectal examination

  Your doctor will examine the prostate through the rectum to determine if there are any abnormalities.

• Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) level

  PSA is a substance produced by the prostate to liquefy semen. A higher than normal level may indicate cancer.

• Transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy

  Tissue samples taken from the prostate through the rectum under guidance of ultrasound are tested for the presence of cancer cells.

Once prostate cancer has been diagnosed, your doctor may perform scans of the pelvis and bone to determine if the cancer has spread.

Early Detection Means High Cure Rate

Making a Decision About Treatment

• It is very important to have a skillful multidisciplinary team to treat prostate cancer as there are numerous treatment options
• SJMC brings together the most advanced resources to manage the treatment of patients with early or advanced prostate cancer
• Our multidisciplinary team includes urologists, clinical oncologists and radiologists working together to create the most effective treatment plan
• Our doctors make sure that each patient thoroughly understands factors such as the stage and grade of his tumour and the range of treatment options, as well as the potential side effects of each therapy
• Doctors here can guide patients through the sometimes complicated choices posed by these factors

Helical TomoTherapy and Volumetric Arc Therapy (VMAT)

• In the past, there was difficulty for radiation beams to target the tumour precisely, which meant healthy tissues were also damaged during cancer treatment; today, new systems used at SJMC takes radiation therapy into the 21st century
• The helical TomoTherapy system couples three dimensional imaging with innovative intensity – modulated radiation therapy, or IMRT, to target mainly the tumour, while sparing the healthy tissues around it
• Volumetric Arc Therapy (VMAT) is an advanced form of radiation treatment using Varian TrueBeam STX also called RapidArc radiotherapy technology to deliver fast and accurate treatment

Latest Technology

The SJMC Cancer & Radiosurgery Centre is equipped with sophisticated and highly advanced Tomotherapy HiArt system & Varian TrueBeam System.

Supportive Care

All our patients have access to the Cancer & Radiosurgery Centre Patient and Family Resource Centre, which offers a wide array of support and educational services including:

• Oncology Nurse Educator
• Patient & Family Liaison Officer
• Counsellor
• Pain Management Specialiststs
• Cancer Careline

Programmes which patients can participate in include:

• Diet workshops
• Support group/activities
• Yoga & exercise workshops