November 18, 2025
Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men and one of the leading causes of cancer-related illness worldwide.
In the United Kingdom, there are around 55,300 new prostate cancer cases each year (2017–2019), making it the most common cancer in men, accounting for 28% of all new male cancer cases and causing about 12,200 deaths annually.
In the United Arab Emirates, prostate cancer ranks fourth among male cancers, with 310 new cases and 62 deaths reported in 2022. Although the incidence rate (around 35 per 100,000 population) is lower than in Western countries, it is steadily rising, underscoring the importance of early screening and awareness.
While the word “cancer” can sound alarming, early detection and modern medical advances mean that most men diagnosed today have excellent treatment outcomes.
Understanding the prostate, how cancer develops, and which symptoms to watch for is the first step toward protecting your health.
This guide breaks down what prostate cancer is, what increases the risk, how it’s detected, and the treatment options available today. Whether you’re learning for yourself or supporting a loved one, this is a clear and practical overview without medical jargon.
The prostate is a small, walnut-shaped gland found only in men. It sits just below the bladder and plays an important role in producing seminal fluid.
Prostate cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in this gland. Some prostate cancers grow slowly and may not cause symptoms for years, while others can be more aggressive.
Early diagnosis is key, especially because the disease is highly treatable when found at the right time.
At Reem Hospital, our urologists and family medicine doctors recommend routine screening starting around age 45, or earlier if you have risk factors such as a family history of prostate cancer or African/Caribbean ancestry.
According to international guidelines:
In many cases, prostate cancer does not cause symptoms in the early stages. When symptoms do appear, they are often related to urination or changes in the surrounding pelvic area.
| Symptom | Description |
| Difficulty urinating | Trouble starting or maintaining urine flow |
| Frequent urination | Especially at night (nocturia) |
| Weak urine stream | Noticeable reduction in flow |
| Pain or burning while urinating | Less common but possible |
| Blood in urine or semen | A warning sign that needs immediate evaluation |
| Pelvic or lower back pain | Usually in later stages |
| Erectile dysfunction | Can develop due to nerve involvement |
Important note: These symptoms can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions such as benign prostate enlargement (BPH) or infections. Only a proper medical evaluation can confirm the cause.
If you notice any persistent symptoms, a consultation with a urologist at Reem Hospital is recommended.
The exact causes are not fully understood, but several factors increase the risk:
Diagnosis involves several steps:
At Reem Hospital, prostate cancer screening is integrated into comprehensive men’s health checkups, ensuring comfort, privacy, and early detection.
Did You Know? Men with a first-degree relative (father or brother) diagnosed with prostate cancer have 2–3 times higher risk.
Once diagnosed, treatment depends on cancer stage, aggressiveness, and overall health.
Advances in medicine now allow for personalized approaches with better recovery and minimal side effects.
1. Active Surveillance (for low-risk cases)
Used for slow-growing cancers with close monitoring.
2. Prostate Surgery (Radical Prostatectomy)
Removes the prostate gland for early-stage disease.
Modern techniques include laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery, ensuring precision, faster recovery, and high cure rates.
3. Radiation Therapy
Destroys cancer cells via external beam or brachytherapy (radioactive seed implants).
Often used as an alternative to surgery or alongside hormone therapy.
4. Hormone Therapy (Androgen Deprivation Therapy)
Reduces testosterone to slow cancer growth. Commonly used if:
5. Chemotherapy
For advanced disease unresponsive to hormone therapy.
6. Targeted & Immunotherapy
Modern breakthroughs allow drugs that attack cancer cells specifically or boost the immune system, improving survival even in advanced stages.
Doctors at Reem Hospital can guide men on nutrition and wellness plans that complement medical care.
Did You Know? Screening can detect prostate cancer years before symptoms appear — dramatically improving treatment success. Most cases are highly treatable when detected early.
Seek medical attention if you experience:
Even without symptoms, screening from age 45 (or earlier with risk factors) is strongly recommended.
Prostate cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men, yet it is also one of the most preventable and treatable when detected early.
Knowing the symptoms, understanding your risks, and scheduling a baseline PSA test around age 45 could make a life-saving difference.
At Reem Hospital, our urologists offer advanced diagnostic testing, personalized treatment, and comprehensive support — helping every man take control of his health with confidence.