Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men in the UAE. The good news is that when detected early, treatment can be highly effective.
The challenge is that prostate cancer often develops with no symptoms in its early stages, which is why it is important to discuss prostate cancer screening with your doctor and understand your individual risk.
Early detection is key
Detecting prostate cancer early, before it spreads beyond the prostate, can improve treatment outcomes. When found early, it can often be treated successfully and, in some cases, cured.
However, because there are typically no symptoms in the early stages, it can be difficult to detect without screening. Many men only notice the signs of prostate cancer at a later stage. Urinary symptoms such as increased urination frequency at night, painful urination, difficulty urinating or an interrupted urination flow can have many causes and it should be assessed by a doctor.
Screening for prostate cancer
Prostate cancer screening is usually done via a blood test called a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. This looks for elevated levels of PSA, a protein produced in the prostate gland, which can indicate prostate cancer. Your doctor will consider your PSA level alongside other factors when assessing your risk.
If your PSA level is elevated, your doctor may recommend additional tests to confirm a diagnosis, such as repeating the PSA, additional risk assessments, prostate MRI or, when appropriate, biopsy.
However, newer diagnostic tools are now available that can provide a more detailed understanding of your prostate cancer risk.
Prostate MRI is an advanced imaging test that can provide more detailed information about the prostate and help your doctor assess whether areas of concern may require further investigation
When is prostate MRI used?
A prostate MRI can help your doctor determine whether a biopsy is needed and can also improve the accuracy of the procedure. When performed before a biopsy, the MRI imaging test can identify areas where cancer may be present, allowing for more targeted sampling.
Your doctor may recommend prostate MRI if any of the following apply:
You are aged 45 to 70: Age is the biggest risk factor for prostate cancer, so prostate cancer screening is recommended for all men aged 45 to 70.
You have a family history of prostate cancer: If a close relative (father or brother) has had prostate cancer, your risk of developing the disease is increased. Screening may begin at age 40 in these cases.
Your PSA level is elevated: An elevated PSA level doesn't always mean you have cancer, but it does require further investigation. A prostate MRI can help your doctor to understand what is happening without the need for a biopsy.
You are experiencing new urinary symptoms: Increased urination at night, interrupted flow, difficulty emptying your bladder or painful urination should always be assessed by a doctor.
What to expect
A prostate MRI is a simple procedure with no fasting or special preparation typically required. The procedure is non-invasive with no needles and no radiation.
You lie on a scanning table for approximately 20 minutes while the scan is performed and a specialist radiologist will then review your images and advise on the next steps. These may include monitoring, follow-up imaging or biopsy if they feel something needs investigating further.
If any of the above apply to you, always speak to your doctor about prostate cancer screening.