July 27, 2026
Prostate cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers among men, particularly those aged 50 years and older. While many cases grow slowly, others can spread beyond the prostate and become life-threatening if left untreated. The good news is that advances in screening, diagnosis, and treatment have significantly improved outcomes, especially when the disease is detected early.
Depending on the stage of the disease, treatment may include active surveillance, surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted medicines. For men with advanced or metastatic prostate cancer, modern androgen receptor pathway inhibitors such as Abiraterone and Enzalutamide have become important treatment options under the guidance of an oncologist or urologist.
This comprehensive guide explains how common prostate cancer is in the Philippines, its symptoms, risk factors, screening recommendations, diagnosis, and the treatment options available for Filipino patients.
| Fact | Information |
|---|---|
| Common Age | Usually affects men over 50 years |
| Organ Affected | Prostate gland |
| Early Symptoms | Often none |
| Most Common Screening Test | PSA Blood Test |
| Can It Be Cured? | Yes, especially when detected early |
| Advanced Treatment | Hormone therapy, Abiraterone, Enzalutamide, chemotherapy |
| Risk Increases With | Age, family history, genetics |
The prostate is a small gland located below the bladder in men. It produces fluid that helps nourish and transport sperm. Prostate cancer develops when cells in the prostate begin to grow uncontrollably.
Some prostate cancers remain confined to the prostate and grow slowly, while others are more aggressive and may spread to nearby tissues or other parts of the body. Early detection and individualized treatment planning can improve outcomes for many patients.
Prostate cancer is one of the leading cancers affecting men in the Philippines. According to international cancer databases and Philippine health authorities, it consistently ranks among the top cancers diagnosed in Filipino males and remains a significant cause of cancer-related illness and death.
Several factors contribute to the growing number of cases in the country:
Because prostate cancer often develops slowly, many men may have the disease without noticing symptoms for years. As more Filipinos undergo routine health examinations and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, more cases are being identified at earlier stages.
Healthcare institutions throughout Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, and other regions now offer advanced diagnostic tools such as MRI imaging, prostate biopsy, and multidisciplinary cancer care, enabling earlier diagnosis and more personalized treatment.
The increasing number of prostate cancer diagnoses does not necessarily mean the disease itself is becoming dramatically more aggressive. Instead, several factors have improved detection rates.
Age is the strongest risk factor for prostate cancer. As Filipino men live longer, more individuals reach the age where prostate cancer becomes more common.
Many hospitals and healthcare providers now recommend PSA testing for men with risk factors or symptoms, allowing cancers to be detected before they cause significant problems.
Multiparametric MRI, targeted biopsies, and modern pathology techniques help identify cancers more accurately than in previous decades.
Health campaigns encourage men to seek medical advice for urinary symptoms instead of ignoring them.
The exact cause of prostate cancer is not fully understood. Researchers believe it develops when genetic changes occur in prostate cells, causing them to grow and divide uncontrollably.
These abnormal cells may form a tumor and, in some cases, spread to nearby tissues or distant organs such as bones or lymph nodes.
Most prostate cancers are classified as adenocarcinomas, meaning they arise from the glandular cells of the prostate.
Several factors can increase a man’s likelihood of developing prostate cancer.
Risk rises significantly after age 50 and continues to increase with advancing age.
Men with a father, brother, or close relative diagnosed with prostate cancer have a higher risk, particularly if the diagnosis occurred at a younger age.
Inherited mutations such as BRCA1, BRCA2, and HOXB13 may increase prostate cancer risk.
Risk varies among populations worldwide. While Filipino men generally have a lower incidence than some Western populations, prostate cancer remains a major health concern due to increasing life expectancy and improved detection.
Research suggests that diets high in processed meats, saturated fats, and low in fruits and vegetables may contribute to overall cancer risk, although no single food directly causes prostate cancer.
Being overweight or obese has been associated with a higher likelihood of developing more aggressive forms of prostate cancer.
Smoking has been linked to poorer outcomes and a greater risk of cancer progression in men already diagnosed with prostate cancer.
One of the biggest challenges is that early-stage prostate cancer often causes no noticeable symptoms. Many men are diagnosed after a routine PSA blood test or physical examination.
As the disease progresses, symptoms may begin to appear.
These symptoms can also occur with non-cancerous conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatitis, making proper medical evaluation essential.
If prostate cancer spreads beyond the prostate gland, additional symptoms may develop, including:
Bone pain is one of the most common symptoms of metastatic prostate cancer because the disease frequently spreads to the bones.
If screening tests or symptoms suggest prostate cancer, your healthcare provider may recommend additional tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine how far the cancer has spread. Accurate diagnosis is essential because treatment decisions depend on the cancer’s stage, grade, and your overall health.
A PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) blood test is often the first step in evaluating prostate health. While an elevated PSA level can indicate prostate cancer, it may also be caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, or other non-cancerous conditions. Your doctor will interpret PSA results alongside your age, medical history, and other clinical findings.
If PSA levels or a Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) raise concerns, an mpMRI may be recommended. This advanced imaging test helps identify suspicious areas within the prostate and guides targeted biopsies, improving diagnostic accuracy while reducing unnecessary procedures.
A prostate biopsy is the only way to confirm prostate cancer. During this procedure, small tissue samples are collected from the prostate and examined under a microscope by a pathologist to determine whether cancer cells are present.
If cancer is detected, the biopsy report includes a Gleason Score and Grade Group, which indicate how aggressive the cancer appears.
| Grade Group | Gleason Score | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| Grade Group 1 | 6 (3+3) | Low Risk |
| Grade Group 2 | 7 (3+4) | Favorable Intermediate |
| Grade Group 3 | 7 (4+3) | Unfavorable Intermediate |
| Grade Group 4 | 8 | High Risk |
| Grade Group 5 | 9–10 | Very High Risk |
Higher scores generally indicate faster-growing cancers that may require more intensive treatment.
Doctors commonly use the TNM staging system to describe the extent of prostate cancer.
Treatment depends on several factors, including:
Your healthcare team may include a urologist, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, radiologist, and oncology nurses.
Not every prostate cancer requires immediate treatment.
For men with low-risk, slow-growing prostate cancer, doctors may recommend active surveillance.
This involves:
The goal is to monitor the cancer closely while avoiding unnecessary side effects from treatment unless the disease shows signs of progression.
Radical prostatectomy removes the entire prostate gland and, in some cases, nearby lymph nodes.
It is commonly recommended for localized prostate cancer that has not spread outside the prostate.
Potential side effects include:
Many patients experience significant improvement with rehabilitation and follow-up care.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells.
Common approaches include:
Radiation may be used:
Prostate cancer cells often rely on male hormones called androgens, particularly testosterone, to grow.
Hormone therapy lowers androgen levels or blocks their effects, slowing cancer growth.
Treatment may include:
Hormone therapy is commonly used for:
Abiraterone acetate is an oral medicine used to treat certain forms of advanced prostate cancer. It works by blocking an enzyme called CYP17, which plays a key role in the body’s production of androgens. By reducing androgen levels, Abiraterone helps slow the growth of prostate cancer cells.
Abiraterone is typically prescribed together with low-dose corticosteroids, such as prednisone, to help reduce the risk of certain side effects. It should only be taken exactly as directed by an oncologist.
Depending on a physician’s assessment and current treatment guidelines, Abiraterone may be considered for eligible patients with:
Treatment decisions are individualized based on the patient’s overall condition, prior therapies, and disease characteristics.
Like all cancer medicines, Abiraterone can cause side effects, including:
Regular blood tests and follow-up appointments are important throughout treatment.
Enzalutamide is another oral medicine used in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. Unlike Abiraterone, it directly blocks androgen receptors on prostate cancer cells, preventing testosterone from stimulating cancer growth.
Enzalutamide may be prescribed for selected patients with:
Your oncologist will determine whether Enzalutamide is an appropriate option based on your medical history and treatment goals.
Some patients may experience:
Patients should report any new or worsening symptoms to their healthcare provider promptly.
| Feature | Abiraterone | Enzalutamide |
|---|---|---|
| Administration | Oral tablet | Oral capsule/tablet |
| Main Action | Reduces androgen production | Blocks androgen receptor signaling |
| Often Given With | Prednisone or equivalent corticosteroid | Usually does not require routine corticosteroids |
| Common Use | Advanced prostate cancer | Advanced prostate cancer |
| Prescribed By | Medical oncologist or urologist | Medical oncologist or urologist |
Depending on the stage and progression of prostate cancer, treatment plans may also include:
Your oncology team will tailor treatment to your specific diagnosis and health needs.
Many men continue to lead active and fulfilling lives during and after treatment. Maintaining open communication with your healthcare team and adopting healthy lifestyle habits can support both physical and emotional well-being.
Helpful strategies include:
There is no guaranteed way to prevent prostate cancer. However, you may reduce your overall health risks by:
Prostate cancer remains a significant health concern for Filipino men, but advances in screening, diagnosis, and treatment continue to improve outcomes. Recognizing symptoms early, discussing PSA screening with your healthcare provider when appropriate, and receiving timely specialist evaluation can make a substantial difference in treatment success.
For men with advanced prostate cancer, therapies such as Abiraterone and Enzalutamide have expanded treatment options and may help slow disease progression in eligible patients. Because every case is unique, treatment decisions should always be made in consultation with a qualified oncologist or urologist.
If you have been prescribed specialty medicines for prostate cancer, trusted providers such as LetsMeds can help patients access quality generic and branded oncology medicines. Always use these medications under the supervision of your treating physician and follow the prescribed treatment plan.
Early prostate cancer often causes no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include frequent urination, difficulty urinating, weak urine flow, blood in the urine or semen, and pelvic discomfort.
Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among Filipino men, particularly those aged 50 years and older. Early detection and appropriate treatment have improved outcomes for many patients.
Yes. Many localized prostate cancers can be treated successfully, especially when diagnosed early. Even advanced prostate cancer can often be managed effectively with modern therapies that help control the disease and improve quality of life.
The PSA test is a blood test that measures prostate-specific antigen levels. It helps identify men who may need further evaluation but does not diagnose prostate cancer by itself.
Treatment may include hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and newer androgen receptor pathway inhibitors such as Abiraterone and Enzalutamide, depending on the patient’s diagnosis and treatment plan.
No. Both are targeted hormonal therapies that interfere with androgen signaling rather than directly destroying rapidly dividing cells like traditional chemotherapy.
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