Prostate cancer occurs when cancer cells form in the prostate, a gland located below the bladder and in front of the rectum in men. The prostate plays a crucial role in producing seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.

Prostate cancer is rare in men under 50, but risk increases with age, particularly after 65. Many prostate cancers grow slowly and may not cause serious problems, while others can be more aggressive—so assessment and treatment decisions are tailored to the individual.

Apart from offering other effective treatments, OncoClinic is the first in the Middle East to introduce TULSA-PRO, a non-invasive, highly-precise, real-time treatment to target the cancer while preserving healthy tissue, with minimal risk of side effects.

Signs and symptoms

• Weak or interrupted urine flow
• Frequent or sudden urge to urinate
• Difficulty starting or stopping urination
• Painful or burning sensation during urination
• Blood in the urine or semen
• Other symptoms can include pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis, fatigue or weakness in more advanced stages, and in some cases erectile dysfunction

It is important to note that many of these symptoms can also be caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that can cause similar symptoms and may require treatment. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

Risk factors

• Age: Prostate cancer becomes more common as men age, particularly after 50
• Family history: Having a close relative with prostate cancer increases the risk
• Hormonal factors: The prostate gland needs testosterone and its derivative DHT for normal growth. While these hormones are necessary for prostate function, they may also play a role in the development of cancer
• Ethnicity: Men of African descent are at higher risk

Decisions about prostate cancer screening should be made in discussion with a healthcare provider, especially for men with higher-risk factors. Although having one or more of these factors does not guarantee that you will develop the disease.

Screening

Prostate cancer screening is used to detect cancer before symptoms appear. The main screening test is the PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) blood test, sometimes combined with a Digital Rectal Exam (DRE). However, screening is not automatically recommended for all men and should be based on individual risk factors, which should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Screening recommendations

Prostate cancer screening is not recommended for all men. A healthcare provider can help determine if and when testing is appropriate based on age, health, and personal preferences. 

Screening may be conducted for:

• Men 50 years and older
• Men 45 years and older with a higher risk, such as those with a family history of prostate cancer or men of African descent
• Men with known genetic risk factors, such as BRCA mutations

While the PSA test can help detect prostate cancer early, but it may also identify slow-growing cancers that may never cause problems. Screening therefore, carries both the benefits and risks, including false positives and possibility of overdiagnosis.

Diagnosis

Prostate cancer is often suspected after an abnormal PSA blood test, changes found during a Digital Rectal Exam (DRE), or the presence of urinary symptoms. These findings do not confirm cancer but indicate the need for further evaluation.

If prostate cancer is suspected, additional tests may include:

• Repeat PSA testing: To confirm elevated or rising PSA levels over time
• Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): To feel for lumps or hard areas in the prostate
• Prostate MRI: Detailed imaging test that helps identify suspicious areas in the prostate and guide further testing
• Prostate biopsy: Main test used to confirm prostate cancer, in which small tissue samples are taken from the prostate and examined under a microscope

The biopsy results show whether cancer is present and provide information about how aggressive the cancer may be. This information is essential for deciding the next steps, which may include active surveillance, additional testing, or treatment.

Treatment and procedures

At OncoClinic, we provide comprehensive, patient-centered care for people with prostate cancer, using a personalized treatment approach. Each care plan is tailored to the specific characteristics of the cancer, the stage of disease, and the patient’s overall health and preferences. Treatments that require hospitalization are coordinated with trusted partner hospitals. Our services include:

Active surveillance: For selected patients with low-risk or slow-growing prostate cancer, active surveillance may be recommended. This approach involves close monitoring with PSA tests, imaging, and repeat biopsies, allowing treatment to be delayed or avoided when safe.

Personalized treatment plans: Treatment strategies are individualized based on cancer type, stage, risk level, and personal health goals, ensuring the most appropriate and effective approach for each patient.

Surgery: Surgery is an important treatment option for some patients with prostate cancer, particularly those with localized disease. When surgery is recommended, it is performed at one of our partner hospitals, with treatment planning, coordination, and follow-up care provided by the OncoClinic team.

Minimally invasive treatment – TULSA-PRO: A minimally invasive, MRI-guided procedure that uses focused ultrasound energy delivered through the urethra to precisely destroy prostate tissue. It does not require surgical incisions and is designed to reduce side effects while preserving urinary and sexual function when possible. TULSA-PRO may be an option for selected patients with localized prostate cancer.

Systemic therapies: For more advanced or aggressive prostate cancer, treatment may include systemic therapies such as hormone therapy (androgen deprivation therapy) or chemotherapy. These treatments work throughout the body to control cancer growth and progression and are often delivered on an outpatient basis.

Radiation therapy: Image-guided radiation therapy is used to precisely target prostate tumors while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. Radiation may be used as a primary treatment or after other therapies, depending on the individual case.

Multidisciplinary and supportive care: Care is delivered by a coordinated team that includes urologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and specialized nurses. Support services such as nutritional counseling and psychological support are also available to help patients throughout their treatment journey.

We are committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-based prostate cancer care with a strong focus on precision, safety, and patient-centered decision-making at every stage of the disease.

References

Prostate cancer overview
American Cancer Society, 2026

Risk factors for prostate cancer
American Cancer Society, 2026

Signs and symptoms of prostate cancer
American Cancer Society, 2026

Prostate cancer early detection (screening)
American Cancer Society, 2026

Prostate cancer – patient version
National Cancer Institute (NCI), 2026

Prostate cancer treatment (PDQ®) – patient version
National Cancer Institute (NCI), 2026

NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology: prostate cancer
National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), 2026

EAU–ESTRO–ESUR–SIOG guidelines on prostate cancer
Mottet N et al. – European Urology, 2021

10-year outcomes after monitoring, surgery, or radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer
Hamdy FC et al. – New England Journal of Medicine, 2016

Follow-up of prostatectomy versus observation for early prostate cancer
Wilt TJ et al. – New England Journal of Medicine, 2017

Active surveillance for prostate cancer: patient selection and management
Klotz L – Current Oncology, 2010

Prostate cancer statistics
Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program, 2026