Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men worldwide, yet it remains a condition many prefer not to think about, let alone screen for. In Dubai and across the UAE, healthcare providers continue to raise alarms about the rising number of last-stage prostate cancer cases, many of which could have been prevented or detected early with a simple test: the PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test.
For men aged 50 and above, prostate cancer screening is not just a medical recommendation, it is a potentially life-saving decision. Still, many men avoid it due to misconceptions, fear, or lack of awareness about the male prostate and how prostate cancer develops.
This in-depth guide explores why prostate cancer screening matters after 50, why many Dubai men avoid PSA tests, and the evidence-based protocol every man should know to protect his health.
Understanding the Male Prostate and Why Age Matters
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located below the bladder, responsible for producing seminal fluid. While small, it plays a crucial role in reproductive health. With age, however, this gland becomes more prone to abnormalities, both benign and cancerous.
Why risks increase after 50
- Cellular ageing increases DNA mutations, raising cancer risk.
- Hormonal changes, especially testosterone fluctuations, can influence prostate growth.
- Family history becomes a stronger predictor after midlife.
- Lifestyle factors like diet, obesity, and inactivity accumulate impact over decades.
Early screening helps catch cell changes before they evolve into advanced or metastatic prostate cancer.
What Makes Prostate Cancer Dangerous?
Prostate cancer often grows silently. In its early stages, most men experience no symptoms, which means the disease may progress without notice.
When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Frequent urination
- Difficulty starting or stopping urine flow
- Blood in urine or semen
- Unexplained back or pelvic pain
- Erectile dysfunction
But by the time these signs occur, the cancer may already be advanced.
The real threat: metastatic prostate cancer
When prostate cancer spreads to bones, lymph nodes, or other organs, it becomes metastatic prostate cancer—a more complex and often life-threatening stage requiring aggressive treatment, including hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, and in some cases, prostate cancer surgery. Early detection is the only proven way to reduce the risk of metastasis.
What Is Prostate Cancer Screening?
Screening involves two primary assessments:
1. PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) Test
A simple blood test that measures levels of PSA, a protein produced by prostate tissue. High PSA levels can indicate:
- Prostate cancer
- Prostate inflammation
- Benign prostate enlargement
It is fast, inexpensive, and widely available across Dubai clinics.
2. Digital Rectal Examination (DRE)
A physical assessment where a doctor evaluates the shape, size, and texture of the prostate. Though brief, it provides valuable clinical insights.
Combined, PSA + DRE can detect prostate cancer years before symptoms appear.
Why Dubai Men Skip PSA Tests: The Cultural and Psychological Barriers
Despite strong medical recommendations, a significant number of men in Dubai, particularly those above 50, still avoid prostate cancer screening. Here’s why.
1. “I Feel Fine” Mindset
Because early-stage prostate cancer rarely causes symptoms, many men assume they are healthy and do not need screening. But cancer does not wait for symptoms to appear.
2. Fear of Diagnosis
Many men avoid the PSA test because they are afraid of:
- Discovering a serious illness
- Undergoing further tests
- Facing the possibility of prostate cancer surgery or long-term treatment
This emotional response is natural but dangerous.
3. Misconceptions About the PSA Test
Common myths include:
- PSA testing is painful – it’s a simple blood test
- A high PSA always means cancer – not true; many benign conditions can raise PSA
- Screening is only for those with symptoms – incorrect; screening is preventive
Misunderstanding the test leads to unnecessary avoidance.
4. Cultural Stigma Around Men’s Health
In many communities across Dubai, men often prioritise work and family responsibilities over personal health. Topics related to the male prostate may feel uncomfortable or embarrassing to discuss.
This stigma results in delayed screening, often until symptoms are unavoidable.
5. Fear of Erectile Dysfunction or Incontinence
Some men mistakenly believe the test itself or early detection automatically leads to prostate cancer surgery, which may affect sexual function or continence. In reality:
- Screening does not cause side effects
- Early-stage treatments are far less aggressive
- Late detection increases the need for invasive treatments
The Life-Saving Protocol Men Over 50 Should Follow
To improve early detection, great experienced urologists recommend a simple, structured protocol.
Step 1: Begin Annual PSA Testing at Age 50
Start earlier (age 45) if:
- You have a family history of prostate cancer
- You are of African or Asian ethnicity
- You have metabolic conditions such as obesity or diabetes
Dubai hospitals and clinics widely follow this recommendation.
Step 2: Pair PSA with a Yearly DRE
Combining both tests increases diagnostic accuracy. Even if PSA levels are normal, DRE can detect abnormalities in prostate texture.
Step 3: Monitor PSA Trend – not just the number
One of the biggest advancements in modern prostate care is “PSA velocity,” which evaluates how quickly PSA levels rise over time. A slow increase may not be concerning; a sharp rise is a red flag.
Annual screening helps track trends accurately.
Step 4: Undergo Further Evaluation When Needed
If PSA is elevated or DRE is abnormal, your doctor may recommend:
- Multiparametric MRI
- Free-to-total PSA ratio
- Prostate biopsy
These tests confirm whether cancer is present and in what stage.
Step 5: Adopt a Prostate-Friendly Lifestyle
Small changes significantly reduce risks:
- Eat more tomatoes, cruciferous vegetables & fish
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Limit red meat and high-fat dairy products
- Stay physically active
- Reduce smoking and alcohol
These lifestyle habits complement medical screening.
Treatment Options: What Happens If Cancer Is Detected?
Early prostate cancer is highly treatable, and many cases do not require aggressive intervention.
Options may include:
- Active surveillance (monitoring only)
- Medication-based therapy
- Targeted radiation therapy
- Prostate cancer surgery (if needed)
- Hormonal therapy for advanced cases
When caught early, the survival rate is extremely high. When detected late, especially in metastatic prostate cancer, treatment becomes more complex and long-term.
This is why the PSA test remains the cornerstone of men’s health after 50.
Why Awareness in Dubai Must Increase
Dubai has one of the most advanced healthcare landscapes in the region, yet men’s preventive screening lags behind women’s health initiatives. Increased awareness, workplace screening programs, and community campaigns can dramatically improve early detection.
Healthcare professionals urge men to recognise that screening does not signal weakness, it reflects responsibility. Awareness can save lives, families, and futures.
The Life You Save Could Be Your Own
Prostate cancer is not a disease that announces itself early. It is silent, slow, and discreet and often deadly when overlooked. For men over 50, a simple PSA test can mean the difference between a manageable diagnosis and a life-threatening condition.
Understanding the male prostate, overcoming fear, and following the recommended screening protocol can protect your health for decades to come.
So, if you are over 50 and haven’t taken your prostate cancer screening seriously yet, now is the time to act. Speak to a healthcare provider, schedule your PSA test, and take control of your long-term well-being.
