Prostate Cancer in Malaysia: Living With the Disease

Prostate cancer is the third most common cancer in Malaysia. The disease is most prevalent in those aged 50 and above, and the risk increases with age. Prostate cancer can be a slow-growing cancer, and many men with the disease will not experience any symptoms. However, prostate cancer can also be aggressive and spread quickly to other parts of the body.

How do I know if I have prostate cancer?

The prostate gland is a small, walnut-shaped gland in men that is responsible for producing seminal fluid. Prostate cancer typically starts without any symptoms. This is why it’s important to get screened regularly, especially if you are over the age of 50 or have family members who have had the disease.

If you do have prostate cancer, you may experience

• urinary problems, such as difficulty urinating or a weak stream of urine
• ejaculation problems
• pain in the lower back, pelvis or thighs
• bone pain

There are several ways to detect prostate cancer. The most common is a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test which measures the level of PSA in your blood. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate, and its levels can be elevated in men with prostate cancer. Other tests, such as a digital rectal exam (DRE) or transrectal ultrasound (TRUS), may also be used for cancer diagnosis.

If you're looking for a quick and convenient screening, DoctorOnCall offers a male cancer marker with PSA test package at home (Kuala Lumpur).

Living with prostate cancer

If you’re diagnosed with prostate cancer, it’s important to stay positive and consult with your doctor on the best course of treatment. There are a number of different treatment options available, including surgery, radiation therapy and hormone therapy. The type of treatment you’ll receive depends on the stage of your cancer and overall health. To know the stage of your cancer, please refer to your pathologist who will stage your cancer based on the TNM Staging System. Early prostate cancer tends to have a good treatment outcome if treated early.

Types of treatments for prostate cancer

Surgery is the most common treatment for prostate cancer patients. The two main types of surgery are:

• radical prostatectomy
• robotic prostatectomy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells. There are two types of radiation therapy:

• external beam radiation therapy (EBRT)
• brachytherapy

Hormone therapy is used to lower testosterone levels in the body. This treatment can be given in the form of:

• injections
• implants
• oral medications

Cost of treating prostate cancer in Malaysia

Treatment for prostate cancer can be expensive. The cost of surgery, radiation therapy and hormone therapy can range from RM10,000 to RM100,000 depending on the type of treatment, the number of sessions and the hospital you go to. There are a number of financial assistance schemes available to help offset the cost of treatment.

Advanced prostate cancer may require more sessions and treatments. Here’s an estimated cost of each treatment:

• Radiation therapy typically costs RM10,000 to RM50,000 per cycle
• Surgery can cost anywhere from RM30,000 to RM200,000
• Hormone therapy typically costs between RM500 and RM1,500 per month

Where to treat prostate cancer in Malaysia?

There are a number of hospitals and clinics that offer prostate cancer treatment in Malaysia. You can book a consultation with a specialist for further treatment.

Prostate cancer care at home

If you are undergoing treatment for prostate cancer, it is important to take care of yourself and get plenty of rest. There are a number of organisations that can help you with your day-to-day needs via financial aid and caregiver support.

Preventing prostate cancer

Although there is no sure way to prevent prostate cancer, there are a number of things you can do to lower your risk of prostate cancer, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight and getting screened for the disease. Reducing your risk factors may lower your chances of developing prostate cancer.

The risk factors of prostate cancer are:

• age
• family history
• race
• being overweight or obese
• smoking
• exposure to certain chemicals and toxins

If you are over the age of 50 or have a family history of prostate cancer, it is important to get screened regularly for the disease. Screening and early detection can greatly affect disease outcomes. DoctorOnCall offers prostate cancer screening and consultation at a number of clinics and hospitals nationwide. Our team of specialists can help you determine the best course of treatment for you. Contact us today to book an appointment.

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