According to information released by the Ministry of Public Health, prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in Qatar, followed by colorectal cancer.
Statistics released by the Qatar National Cancer Registry indicate that a total of 1,466 new cancer cases were diagnosed in 2015, out of which there were 1,417 malignant cases, with prostate cancer being the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men.
The prostate is a walnut-sized organ located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. Prostate cancer develops when cells in the prostate gland grow in an uncontrolled way. The cancer usually develops slowly, but is curable when found and treated early.
Dr Al-Hareth M Al-Khater, Deputy Medical Director at the National Center for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR) said that improved therapies have resulted in a ‘significant’ increase in the number of survivors, particularly for individuals afflicted with prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer’s three-year survival rate from 2013 to 2015 was at 81.8%. This is relatively high and reflects the high-quality diagnostic and treatment services provided to patients at HMC.’
The symptoms of prostate cancer can vary, with some men having no symptoms and others experiencing warning signs such as difficult and frequent urination, and blood in the urine or semen.
Dr Al-Khater added that a lot of work remains to be done to increase survival rates and a good starting place is the collective understanding and active participation that comes with broader awareness of prostate cancer.
The more we understand the disease, the more likely and better equipped we are to come together and truly make a difference.’
Prostate cancer can be detected with a digital rectal exam (to check if the prostate feels abnormal) and through a simple blood test for prostate-specific antigen (PSA).
Dr Al-Khater however noted that they are mindful that prostate cancer remains a leading cause of death among men.
To reduce and ultimately eliminate this disease, we are dedicated to finding better diagnostic and treatment options. In collaboration with our stakeholders in the healthcare sector in Qatar and abroad, HMC continues to invest in care that will further improve current approaches to combatting prostate cancer.’
For more information about prostate cancer, visit the National Center for Cancer Care and Research page.