Introduction
Prostate cancer recorded the largest increase in incidence rate among the common male cancers in Hong Kong during the past two decades. In 2008, prostate cancer was the third most common cancer in men and accounted for 10.4% of all new cancer cases in males.
New cases
In 2008, 1 369 new cases of prostate cancer were diagnosed and the crude incidence rate was 41.5 per 100 000 male population. The age-standardized incidence rate was 27.2 per 100 000 standard population. In the past two decades, the age-standardized incidence rate of prostate cancer had an upward trend.
Number of new cases and crude incidence rate of malignant
neoplasm of prostate, 1983-2000
Number of new cases and crude incidence rate of malignant
neoplasm of prostate, 2001-2008
Age-standardized incidence rate* of malignant
neoplasm of prostate, 1983-2000
Age-standardized incidence rate* of malignant
neoplasm of prostate, 2001-2008
| Notes: |
* |
Age-standardized incidence rates are compiled based on a new world standard population specified in GPE Discussion Paper Series: No.31, EIP/GPE/EBD, World Health Organization, 2001. |
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Data in the above charts from 1996 onwards are compiled based on the population estimates under the "resident population" approach instead of the "extended de facto" approach. Also, the Population By-census conducted in July to August 2006 provides a benchmark for revising the population estimates compiled since the 2001 Population Census. |
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Figures from 2001 onwards are compiled based on ICD-10 and thus may not be comparable with figures for previous years compiled based on ICD-9. |
| Sources: |
|
Census and Statistics Department
Department of Health
Hong Kong Cancer Registry, Hospital Authority |
Mortality
Prostate cancer is the fifth leading cause of male cancer deaths in Hong Kong. In 2009, a total of 306 men died from this cancer, accounting for 4.0% of male cancer deaths. The crude death rate of prostate cancer was 9.3 per 100 000 male population. The age-standardized death rate of prostate cancer was 5.6 per 100 000 standard population. In the past 29 years, the age-standardized death rate had an upward trend.
Number of registered deaths and crude death rate of malignant
neoplasm of prostate, 1981-2000
Number of registered deaths and crude death rate of malignant
neoplasm of prostate, 2001-2009
Age-standardized death rate* of malignant neoplasm
of prostate, 1981-2000
Age-standardized death rate* of malignant neoplasm
of prostate, 2001-2009
Notes: |
* |
Age-standardized death rates are compiled based on a new world standard population specified in GPE Discussion Paper Series: No.31, EIP/GPE/EBD, World Health Organization, 2001. |
|
|
Data in the above charts from 1996 onwards are compiled based on the population estimates under the "resident population" approach instead of the "extended de facto" approach. Also, the Population By-census conducted in July to August 2006 provides a benchmark for revising the population estimates compiled since the 2001 Population Census. |
|
|
Figures from 2001 onwards are compiled based on ICD-10 and thus may not be comparable with figures for previous years compiled based on ICD-9. |
| Sources: |
|
Census and Statistics Department
Department of Health |
Classification of diseases and causes of death is based on the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD) 10th Revision from 2001 onwards. Figures from 2001 onwards may not be comparable with figures for previous years which were compiled based on the ICD 9th Revision. Hence, caution should be exercised when interpreting the trend of diseases across 2000 and 2001.
Prostate cancer corresponds to codes 185 in ICD-9 and C61 in ICD-10.
Symptoms
Early prostate cancer may not cause any symptoms but for the symptomatic, common symptoms of prostate cancer include difficulty or delay in urinating, slow or weak stream of urine, blood in urine, and pain in the lower back, pelvis and hips.
Risk factors
The causes for prostate cancer are not yet fully understood. Prostate cancer tends to happen in older men and is rarely found in men below the age of 50. Risk factors of prostate cancer include family history of prostate cancer and physical inactivity.
Related information
The Cancer Expert Working Group on Cancer Prevention and Screening under the Cancer Coordinating Committee provides recommendations on preventive measures and screening of major cancers based on a standardised review of scientific evidence. To view the information, please click the following link.
For general information on cancer prevention, please browse the website of the Health Zone and Men's Health Programme.
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