Current Status of Prostate Cancer in Asia

Abstract

Prostate cancer has become one of the most common malignancy in men worldwide including Asia. Its incidence in Asia is lower compared to western countries, however currently there is an increasing trend of the incidence in the developing countries. Digital rectal examination, PSA and TRUS guided biopsy are still the standard diagnostic methods despite the fact that there are still a high percentage of patients who undergo TUR-P for diagnostic purposes. Treatment options for an early stage prostate cancer consists of radical prostatectomy from open to robotic, and radiotherapy. Most patients usually come with an already advanced stage and the treatments commonly done are hormonal therapy and TUR-P. Even in the early stage cases, radical treatment measures are still rarely done due to lack of treatment facilities (radiotherapy machine) or manpower (capable for radical prostatectomy). These problems could be overcome by having more manpower, medical facilities, and patient education campaign