HEALTH & WELL-BEING

November Prostate Awareness

Health with Dr. Donald Greig, The New Clinic

Author/ Being Neighbourly
1 November 2025

November, known as Movember, is dedicated to raising awareness about men’s health issues, particularly prostate cancer. This condition has become a significant public health concern in Hong Kong and globally, underscoring the importance of understanding the latest screening techniques, their advantages and drawbacks, and the factors influencing prostate health.

Prostrate Cancer in Hong Kong

Prostate cancer is the third most common cancer among men in Hong Kong. In 2022, there were 2,758 new cases diagnosed, reflecting a 69% increase in diagnoses since 2012. With a median age of diagnosis at 71 years and a five-year survival rate of 84%, the importance of early detection cannot be overstated. Globally, prostate cancer is now one of the most diagnosed cancers among men, surpassing even lung cancer in some regions.

The Alarming Truth about Screening Avoidance

A recent 20-year study presented at the European Association of Urology (EAU) Congress revealed a stark reality: men who skip prostate cancer screenings face a 45% higher risk of death than those who attend screenings. This study, which followed 161,000 men across seven countries, confirmed that those who attended screenings had a 23% lower risk of dying from prostate cancer. Alarmingly, over 12,400 men in the study skipped all screening appointments, facing the highest mortality risk.

Despite clear evidence that early detection saves lives—long-term data shows that PSA screening can reduce mortality rates from prostate cancer by 20%—a significant portion of at-risk men avoid screenings. This resistance not only costs lives but also increases the burden of advanced cancer treatment on healthcare systems worldwide.

The Importance of Early Detection

Early detection plays a crucial role in effectively managing prostate cancer. When diagnosed at an early stage, the chances of successful treatment significantly improve. Traditional screening methods, particularly PSA testing, have been instrumental in identifying prostate cancer before it progresses to more advanced stages.

Screening Techniques: PSA, Ultrasound, MRI

PSA Testing

The Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test is a blood test that measures the level of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate.

Advantages

Early Detection: Elevated PSA levels can indicate potential issues, allowing for early intervention.
Non-invasive: The test is simple and requires only a blood sample.

Drawbacks

False Positives: Elevated PSA levels can result from benign conditions, leading to unnecessary anxiety and additional testing.
Overdiagnosis: Many prostate cancers detected through PSA testing may never cause symptoms or require treatment.

MRI Scans

In addition to traditional PSA testing, MRI scans—both plain and contrast-enhanced—are increasingly being integrated into prostate cancer screening programs.

Plain MRI

Tissue Characterization: Provides high-resolution images of the prostate and surrounding tissues.
Anatomical Detail: Crucial for surgical planning and assessing the extent of the disease.
Risk Stratification: Helps determine which patients may need further diagnostic procedures like biopsies.

Contrast-enhanced Multi-pararmetric MRI

Improved Detection: Better differentiation between benign and malignant lesions, increasing chances of detecting clinically significant cancers.
Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Imaging (DCE-MRI): Highlights aggressive tumours by evaluating blood flow, guiding targeted interventions.
Reduction in Unnecessary Biopsies: Provides clearer imaging, making the screening process less invasive and more patient-friendly.

Who is at Risk?

Several factors increase the risk of prostate cancer:

Age: The risk increases significantly after age 50.
Family History: Men with a family history of prostate cancer are at higher risk.
Ethnicity: Men of African descent have a higher incidence compared to other ethnicities.
Lifestyle Factors: Diet, obesity, and lack of physical activity can also contribute.

Symptoms of Prostatism

Symptoms may include:

Frequent urination, especially at night
Difficulty starting or stopping urination
Weak or interrupted urine flow
Painful urination or ejaculation
Blood in urine or semen

If you experience these symptoms, consult a healthcare provider for evaluation.

Mitigating Factors: The Role of Vitamin D

Emerging research suggests that Vitamin D may play a role in prostate health, with some studies indicating that adequate levels could be associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer.

As we observe Movember, it’s vital to prioritize men’s health by understanding prostate cancer and the latest screening techniques. Public health initiatives aimed at raising awareness about prostate cancer and the importance of screening are critical. Addressing the psychological and logistical barriers that prevent men from attending screenings is essential. Let’s work together to break the stigma and promote proactive health measures this Movember—because early detection can save lives.

About the Author

Dr. Donald Greig

Dr. Greig is a general surgeon with 26 years of experience in Hong Kong. He contributes to scientific literature, publishes weekly patient newsletters and serves as a well-being educator and communicator, collaborating with prominent institutions and companies.

www.thenewclinic.info