Prostate cancer

Approximately 5 –10% of all prostate cancer cases are thought to be hereditary (passed on from one family member to another). Gene mutations that have linked to prostate cancer include:

• HOXB13 – this gene is involved in the development of the prostate gland. Mutations in this gene have been linked to early onset cases of prostate cancer, although this gene mutation is uncommon

• BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 – mutations in these genes have been linked to breast and ovarian cancers in women, however they are also implicated in prostate cancer in men, particularly BRCA 2 gene mutations

• MSH2 and MLH1 – these genes help repair mismatched DNA. Mutations in these genes can result in a condition called Lynch Syndrome, which increases the risk of prostate, colorectal and other cancers

• RNASEL (also known as HPC1) – this gene helps to remove cells that begin to function abnormally. Mutations in this gene mean these abnormal cells are no longer destroyed, which can lead to an increased risk of prostate cancer

The majority of prostate cancer cases are thought to be caused by an acquired gene mutation, which means cell mutations that occur during a man’s lifetime, rather than mutations being passed down from generations.

While there is no single cause of prostate cancer, factors that can increase your risk include:

• Being over 50 years

• High levels of testosterone

• Family history of cancer, such as breast, ovarian and prostate cancers

• Low intake of fruit and vegetables

Prostate cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in Malaysian men. On average, there are about 336 men diagnosed with prostate cancer yearly. 68.6% of the prostate cancer cases are discovered at the advanced stages (stage III and IV).

Prostate cancer usually affects older men. In Malaysia, men from 70 to 74 years old has the highest incidence rate for prostate cancer.

While there is no one way to prevent prostate cancer from developing, there are some lifestyle-related factors which can help reduce your risk of prostate cancer7. These include:

• Regular exercise – Aim for at least 30 minutes per day

• Eating a balanced and healthy diet – Visit the Malaysian Dietary Guidelines by the Ministry of Health for more information.

• Maintain a healthy weight – The Ministry of Health in Malaysia recommends maintaining a healthy weight, within the normal BMI (Body Mass Index)* range of 18.5 – 24.9kg/m6,8 *To calculate your BMI = (weight(kg))/(height(m))6

Here are some useful links to help you understand the risks of developing prostate cancer again, or being affected by a second type of cancer:

• Second cancers after prostate cancer

• Understanding recurrence

There is no national screening programme for prostate cancer screening in Malaysia at the moment. MOH Malaysia recommends asymptomatic men with family history of prostate cancer to go for selective screening from the age of 40 years old and above.

For more information on prostate cancer diagnosis screening, we encourage you to visit MYHealth Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia or the National Cancer Society Malaysia.

1. International Agency for Research on Cancer. (2021). Malaysia: Globocan 2020 fact sheet. World Health Organization. Retrieved November 24, 2025, from https://gco.iarc.who.int/media/globocan/factsheets/populations/458-malaysia-fact-sheet.pdf

2. Institut Kanser Negara, Ministry of Health Malaysia. (2024). Summary of Malaysia National Cancer Registry Report 2017–2021. National Cancer Registry Department. Retrieved November 24, 2025, from https://nci.moh.gov.my/images/pdf_folder/SUMMARY-OF-MALAYSIA-NATIONAL-CANCER-REGISTRY-REPORT-2017-2021.pdf

3. Ministry of Health Malaysia, Health Technology Assessment Section. Health Technology Assessment Report on Prostate Cancer Screening. Retrieved on 23 November 2023 from https://www.moh.gov.my/moh/resources/auto%20download%20images/587f12cc74327.pdf

4. Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. (n.d). What is Prostate Cancer? Retrieved on 11th February 2019 from https://www.prostate.org.au/awareness/general-information/what-you-need-to-know-about-prostate-cancer/

5. Cancer Council. (2018). Prostate cancer. Retrieved on 12th February 2019 from https://www.cancer.org.au/about-cancer/types-of-cancer/prostate-cancer.html

6. American Cancer Society. (2021). What is prostate cancer. Retrieved 11 October 2021 https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/about/what-is-prostate-cancer.html

7. Cancer Council. (2016). TNM System. Retrieved on 12th February 2019 from https://www.cancer.org.au/about-cancer/types-of-cancer/tnm-system.html

8. American Cancer Society. (2017). Prostate cancer stages. Retrieved on 13th February 2019 from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/staging.html

9. American Cancer Society. (2016). What causes prostate cancer? Retrieved on 11th February 2019 from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/what-causes.html

10. American Cancer Society. (2016). Can prostate cancer be prevented? Retrieved on 13th February 2019 from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/prevention.html

11. Cancer Australia, Australian Government. (n.d). Overweight and obesity. Retrieved on 13th February 2019 from https://canceraustralia.gov.au/publications-and-resources/position-statements/lifestyle-risk-factors-and-primary-prevention-cancer/lifestyle-risk-factors/overweight-and-obesity