Prostate cancer

From the age of 50, around one in two men will experience changes in their prostate gland. In most cases, these changes will only take the form of a benign prostate enlargement, but sometimes the growth will be malignant.

The incidence, i.e. the number of new cases, peaks between the ages of 75 and 79. Mortality rates are at their highest for men aged 85 and older.

With 520 new cases in 2019, prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in men. In terms of mortality, it is the second most deadly type of cancer, accounting for 55 deaths in 2019 (source: National Cancer Register, Luxembourg).

Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer typically develops very slowly. Prostate cells change and multiply in an uncontrolled manner. The normal tissue in the prostate is then destroyed by the developing tumour. By passing through blood or lymphatic vessels, tumour cells can attach themselves to other organs and form new tumours (metastases) elsewhere. It is mainly the lymph nodes in the pelvis and the bones that are affected.

 

Symptoms

The following are symptoms that might be observed in cases of prostate cancer and that resemble those of benign prostate diseases:

  • Difficulty passing urine
  • Decreased urine flow rate
  • Inability to completely empty the bladder
  • Urgent/frequent need to urinate
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Needing to urinate frequently during the night
  • Burning sensation or pain when urinating
  • Blood in urine or semen
  • Sexual problems
  • Pain in the pelvis or lower back
  • Tiredness

As these symptoms are not specific, a medical examination is needed for a correct diagnosis.

If you have any concerns, speak to your doctor, who can advise you further.

Diagnostic tests

Prostate cancer screening includes a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test and a digital rectal examination. If, following these two examinations, an abnormality is detected, the diagnosis must be confirmed by a prostate biopsy, possibly preceded by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) if required.

Treatment and recovery

In the case of localised tumours, both surgery and radiotherapy produce excellent results. Hormone therapy (medication) or chemotherapy might also be required in some cases. All cancer treatments are tailored to take account of age, stage of the disease and the patient's personal wishes.

As long as the tumour has not spread beyond the prostate and has not yet metastasised, the chances of recovery are very high. Combined with appropriate treatment, early detection leads to remission in more than 9 out of 10 cases.

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