Prostate Cancer Awareness: Movember highlights the need for early screening

As prostate cancer cases continue to climb, Movember serves as a reminder for men to take command of their well-being and not overlook the need for regular check-ups. Alarming global projections indicate that prostate cancer cases could double by 2040, rising from 1.4 million in 2020 to 2.9 million, with annual deaths expected to increase by 85 per cent to 700,000, according to a Lancet study.

Ageing populations, population growth, and under diagnosis are the key factors driving this surge worldwide. In the UAE, prostate cancer ranks among the top five most common cancers in men, underlining the importance of early, routine checks.

A patient’s journey

GM, a 57-year-old married man from New Zealand, was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer in the UK before moving to the UAE, where he has lived for just over three years.

“I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in May 2022. The treatment advised was hormone therapy and radiotherapy. My initial hormone therapy began in the UK, and it was an easy transition to continue care in the UAE at NMC, where my radiotherapy took place and my ongoing blood tests, tablets, and injections continue,” he says.

His diagnosis came after an episode of sudden urinary urgency while driving to work. “My wife looked it up online and realised it could be related to an enlarged prostate. After a PSA test and prostate check, I was referred to the hospital’s urology department,” he recalls.

“After the biopsy, my wife and I were shocked to learn I had prostate cancer. I was upset, wondering how much time I had left, but information and guidance from my GP, urology, and oncology departments helped me realise I could still live a full life with this diagnosis.”

Today, GM works in primary and secondary education as a learning support assistant. “The disease’s impact on my life and wellbeing is generally low. The biggest impact has been reduced sexual activity, but I have a very understanding wife. I lead an active life, enjoy a good work-life balance, and have regular hospital check-ups and oncology appointments every two months.”

Awareness and screening

A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test measures the level of PSA, a substance produced by prostate cells, in the blood. An elevated PSA does not automatically mean cancer; it signals the need for further evaluation.

Dr Thampy highlights a growing international consensus on risk-adapted screening. European recommendations now advocate risk-based PSA testing with MRI before biopsy. “When targeted screening considers factors such as age, family history, BRCA status, African ancestry, or prior PSA results, it helps detect aggressive disease earlier while reducing unnecessary biopsies. This approach aims to minimise overdiagnosis while adjusting follow-up intervals based on the baseline PSA,” he says.

For most men, it’s recommended to discuss PSA testing at age 50; for those at higher risk, such as those with a family history or BRCA1/2 mutations, the conversation should begin at 45. Men with multiple affected relatives or known BRCA mutations should consider starting between ages 40 and 45.

Innovations in care

Progressive innovations such as targeted radioligand therapy (RLT), notably Pluvicto (Lu-177-PSMA), and AI-assisted diagnostics are now available in several hospitals and clinics across the UAE, offering improved outcomes. Recent studies highlight that AI support improves the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer on MRI, enhancing accuracy and specificity. “This technology may be especially beneficial for non-expert readers, particularly where radiology capacity is stretched,” says Dr Thampy.

PSMA-PET/CT imaging, an advanced nuclear technique combining PET and CT scans, has become first-line staging in many cases due to its higher sensitivity compared to conventional scans. “It’s rapidly becoming standard practice at leading UAE centres,” he notes.

Dr Thampy also highlights the expanded FDA approval for Pluvicto (Lu-177-PSMA) in 2025, allowing its earlier use before chemotherapy in patients with PSMA-positive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) who have received ARPI therapy. “This significantly broadens eligibility and marks a major shift in treatment options,” he adds.

Symptoms and diagnosis

Taking action

Make this Movember a time for action by discussing screening options and risk factors for prostate cancer. Prostate health is serious, so talk to your doctor about the right approach for you.

When diagnosed, patients should ask: What type, grade, and stage is my cancer? Has it spread, and is it still curable? What are my treatment options and side effects? How long will treatment last, and will hospitalisation be required? How will it affect my daily life and recovery?

Early detection and awareness can make all the difference, not just in saving lives, but in ensuring that men like GM continue to live them fully.