Prostate cancer screening perspective, Malaysia

• Published in: Urologic oncology 2010-11, Vol.28 (6), p.670-672
• Main Authors: Sothilingam, Selvalingam, F.R.C.S. (Edin), Sundram, Murali, F.R.C.S. (Edin), Malek, Rohan, F.R.C.S. (Edin), Sahabuddin, R.M., M.S. (Mal)
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Awareness; Biological and medical sciences; Cancer; Early Detection of Cancer - methods; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Malaysia; Malaysia - epidemiology; Male; Mass Screening - methods; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Nephrology. Urinary tract diseases; Patient Education as Topic - methods; Prostate; Prostatic Neoplasms - diagnosis; Prostatic Neoplasms - epidemiology; Prostatic Neoplasms - prevention & control; PSA; Screening; Tumors; Tumors of the urinary system; Urinary tract. Prostate gland; Urology
• ISSN: 1078-1439; 1873-2496
• DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2009.12.014

Abstract The incidence of prostate cancer in Malaysia is still low compared to the west. This may be due to a true low incidence or lower detection rates. Prostate Awareness Campaigns are held on a yearly basis to educate and encourage males over the age of 50 years to have their prostate examined. Such a campaign was organized in 2005 at the national level involving 12 district hospitals. A total of 2770 participants attended the campaign. 38.7% had no urinary symptoms and attended out of curiosity. Among the symptomatic patients, nocturia was the most bothersome in the majority. 84.6% of the participants also had some degree of erectile dysfunction based on the IIEF questionnaire. 10.4% of participants had a PSA > 4 ng/mL. Malay participants had the highest mean PSA level (2.32 ng/mL) and Indian participants the lowest (1.30 ng/mL). 408 participants were called back for biopsy but only 183 agreed to the biopsy. 30 cancers were detected. At present Malaysia will benefit most by continuing to conduct these awareness programmes to educate the public on prostate disease and hopefully in future patients will be less reluctant to have prostate biopsies taken when indicated.