Prostate cancer is the growth of abnormal cells in the prostate gland which prevents one of the male reproductive organs from functioning normally & optimally. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men in the world. Prostate cancer is more common in men aged 60 years and over. However, every day there has been an increase in cases of prostate cancer in men aged 15-40 years.
In Indonesia, Global Cancer Statistics shows that prostate cancer is the fifth most common cancer in men, with 13,563 new cases in 2020.
Prostate Cancer Screening
1. Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)
Cancer cells tend to produce more PSA, so that in patients with prostate cancer there is a spike in PSA levels when the examination is carried out
2. Digital Rectal Examination
This digital rectal examination procedure is carried out by the doctor using a gloved hand, then inserting a finger that has been lubricated with lubricating gel into the patient's anus. The goal is to check the condition of the prostate gland whether there are lumps or not. If an abnormality is found in the prostate, the doctor will recommend further examination.
3. Imaging Test
Carrying out imaging tests in the form of MRI, ultrasound or CT scan, the aim is to find out the condition of the prostate gland in more detail, as well as the location of the spread of prostate cancer.
4. Biopsy
Taking tissue samples to determine whether there are cancer cells in the prostate tissue or not.
The Importance of Early Detection
As many as 70% of men diagnosed with prostate cancer only seek medical treatment when it is too late. Therefore, early detection of prostate cancer is very necessary for men starting at the age of 40 years.
Latest Prostate Cancer Screening with Prostate Health Index (PHI)
Grha Kedoya Hospital, as a private hospital located in West Jakarta, currently provides Prostate Health Index (PHI) examinations, which is one of the newest blood tests for prostate cancer in Indonesia . PHI is a formula that combines 3 forms of PSA (total PSA, free PSA, and p2PSA) into one special core. PHI is calculated using the formula (p2PSA/free PSA) x square root (PSA). This examination is non-invasive with the ability to be 2.5 times more specific in detecting prostate cancer, compared to prostate cancer examinations in general.
PHI has been accepted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 2012, as an examination that aims to differentiate prostate cancer from other benign prostate enlargement conditions in male patients aged 50 years whose digital rectal results show no abnormalities and total serum PSA results range from 4 to ng/ml 10 ng/ml. With PHI, patients and doctors have a new tool to more accurately detect prostate cancer.
Advantages of the Prostate Health Index (PHI)
- More Accurate Results
- Non-Invasive
Article written by Prof. Dr. Dr. Tonny Loho, DMM, Sp.PK (K) & dr. Desi Natalia, Sp.PK (Clinical Pantology Specialist)