Prostate Cancer Screening Guidelines

Prostate Cancer
Screening Guidelines

According to the Malaysian National Cancer Registry (NCR), prostate cancer is the third most common cancer in Malaysian men. Find out how you can get screened and protected today.

Benefits of Prostate Cancer Screening

Early Detection

Screening can detect prostate cancer before symptoms develop, allowing for timely treatment and better chances of successful outcomes.

Reduced Mortality

Finding prostate cancer early may lower the risk of death, though the overall benefit depends on how aggressive the cancer is.

Informed Decision-Making

Screening gives men the information they need to explore treatment options and make decisions that suit their health and preferences.

Potential to Prevent
Advanced Disease

Detecting cancer early can help prevent it from spreading, improving survival and quality of life.

Who Should Consider Prostate Cancer Screening?

Those aged 50+ or earlier with risk factor

Those with family history of prostate cancer

Men of African descent, who have higher risk

Those with inherited genetic mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2

Unhealthy lifestyle habits such as poor diet and lack of exercise

Those with unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as poor diet or lack of exercise

Signs & Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

In the early stages, prostate cancer may not present noticeable symptoms. As the disease progresses, symptoms may arise, including:

Frequent urination,
especially at night.

Weak or interrupted urine flow

Painful or burning urination

Blood in the urine or semen

Erectile dysfunction

Pain in the back, hips, or pelvis, which could indicate the cancer has spread

It is important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by benign conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Therefore, the presence of symptoms does not necessarily indicate cancer, but it warrants further investigation.

Prostate Cancer Screening Methods

Blood test for Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)

A blood test that measures PSA levels, which may be higher in men with prostate cancer

Digital Rectal Examination (DRE)

A quick physical exam where a doctor checks the prostate for abnormalities

Next Steps After a Positive Screening

Further Diagnostic Testing	Cancer Staging
Biopsy Confirms cancer by examining prostate tissue samples Imaging Tests MRI, CT, or bone scans check if cancer has spread beyond the prostate	Once confirmed, prostate cancer is staged (I–IV) to guide treatment and determine how far it has spread.