A silent disease: Prostate cancer among the 5 most common cancers in UAE, doctors warn
According to Dr Mohamad Azzam Ziade, a medical oncologist at Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital in Al Qusais, prostate cancer is strongly linked to ageing and is expected to become more prevalent in the UAE as the population grows older.
'Globally, around 95 per cent of prostate cancer patients are over the age of 50. In the UAE too, it is one of the top five cancers among men,' he said.
Prof Humaid Al Shamsi, CEO of Burjeel Cancer Institute and President of the Emirates Oncology Society, said that it is one of the most common cancers in Emirati men over the age of 50. 'Yet, early detection rates remain low, especially compared to Western countries,' said Prof Al Shamsi.
Why are men not getting screened?
Doctors point to a mix of factors as to why men don't get screened. 'It is because of lack of awareness, cultural taboos around male health, fear of being diagnosed, and the belief that medical visits can be postponed,' said Prof Al Shamsi.
Dr Ziade said that men are often too busy with work and under stress, so they don't pay attention to their health. 'Men's health is often ignored,' said Dr Ziade.
Oncologists said that many patients come for help only after symptoms have developed often when the disease is already in an advanced stage. 'There's still a stigma around male health issues and urogenital exams,' said Prof Al Shamsi.
He also stressed that even doctors sometimes miss the importance of encouraging routine screening, which adds to the problem.
Is the exam painful?
One of the main reasons men delay or avoid screening is the fear of the prostate exam being painful. But doctors say that concern is mostly unfounded. 'You may feel pressure or discomfort, but it should not hurt,' said Dr Ziade. 'The process takes only a few minutes.'
Prof Al Shamsi added that the initial screening is usually just a simple blood test called PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen), which measures PSA levels in the blood. In some cases, it may be followed by a digital rectal exam (DRE), which also lasts less than a minute and is not painful, though it can be slightly uncomfortable.
He advised that men should begin discussing screening with their doctor at age 50, or earlier at 45 if they have a family history or higher risk factors. If PSA levels are normal, the test can be repeated every one to two years.
Symptoms to watch out for
Prostate cancer is often called a silent disease because it usually shows no symptoms in its early stages. 'When symptoms appear, they may include frequent urination, especially at night, blood in the urine or semen, erectile dysfunction, bone pain, or even bowel issues,' said Dr Ziade.
Prof Al Shamsi added that a weak urine stream or difficulty urinating are also warning signs, along with pain in the hips, back, or pelvis if the cancer has spread.
A warning and a hope
Doctors shared patient stories that highlight the importance of early screening.
Dr Ziade is currently treating a 77-year-old man who was diagnosed with prostate cancer that had spread to his bones. Thanks to continuous androgen deprivation therapy, his condition is now stable and in remission, with no active signs of cancer. However, he also has Parkinson's disease, which slightly affects his daily life.
In another case, Prof Al Shamsi described a 56-year-old Emirati man who had no symptoms but decided to go for a routine health check-up. A slightly elevated PSA level led to further tests, and localised prostate cancer was detected early. He underwent robotic surgery and has since returned to full health, with no recurrence.
'Unfortunately, not all stories end like this,' said Prof Al Shamsi. 'We also see men coming in with severe bone pain, only to discover that the cancer has already spread. These cases require lifelong treatment.'
Doctors are urging men to take control of their health, start screening early, speak up about concerns, and don't wait until symptoms appear. 'Early detection can save lives. We have the tools. What we need is awareness and action,' said Prof Al Shamsi.
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