The Relationship Between Diabetes Mellitus and Prostate Cancer

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 57 views

Background

Prostate Cancer: A Growing Concern in Indonesia

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men, with an alarming increase in prevalence in Indonesia. According to the Ministry of Health (2015), there were approximately 25,012 cases of prostate cancer in Indonesia in 2013. This staggering number highlights the need for further research and awareness about this disease. Prostate cancer is generally in the form of adenocarcinoma, which accounts for more than 95% of cases. Although the exact cause of prostate cancer remains unknown, genetic and lifestyle factors are believed to play a significant role in the development of this disease.

The Relationship Between Diabetes Mellitus and Prostate Cancer

Previous research has shown a link between diabetes mellitus (DM) and the risk of prostate cancer. Some studies have found that DM sufferers have a higher risk of prostate cancer compared to those who do not suffer from DM (Gallagher and Leroith, 2010; Hsieh et al, 2012; Long et al, 2012). However, other research has shown the opposite, where DM sufferers have a lower risk of prostate cancer (Waters et al, 2009; Xu et al, 2013; Kasper et al, 2009). This conflicting evidence highlights the need for further investigation into the relationship between DM and prostate cancer.

Research Methods

A Cross-Sectional Retrospective Study at H Adam Malik Hospital Medan

This study employed a cross-sectional retrospective design to analyze DM patient data visiting H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan between January 2014 and December 2014. Data was collected from the medical records of DM patients, both visiting the polyclinic and inpatient departments. The total research sample consisted of 7,865 people, with 41 male patients undergoing prostate biopsy. This biopsy was conducted to determine the diagnosis of prostate cancer and cancer cell characteristics.

Research Results

Incidence of Prostate Cancer in DM Patients

Of the 41 male patients undergoing prostate biopsy, 24 people were diagnosed with prostate cancer, 9 were not diagnosed with prostate cancer, and 8 others were not representative and removed from the analysis. The results of this study show that patients with prostate cancer and DM tend to be older, with the majority in the age range of 70-74 years.

PSA Value and Gleason Scores

Data analysis revealed a significant difference in the PSA value (prostate-specific antigen) between patients with prostate cancer and those without. Patients with prostate cancer generally had a higher PSA value (> 50 ng/ml) compared to patients without prostate cancer (5-10 ng/ml). Gleason scores, which are used as a reference to diagnose prostate cancer, showed that the majority of patients with prostate cancer and DM had moderate gleason scores (5-10).

Conclusion

The Significance of DM as a Risk Factor for Prostate Cancer

This study demonstrates that patients with prostate cancer and DM have a higher PSA value compared to DM patients without prostate cancer. Additionally, moderate gleason scores (5-6) were found more frequently in patients with prostate cancer and DM. The results of this study indicate that DM can be an additional risk factor in the development of prostate cancer. It is essential to conduct screening and routine examinations of DM patients to detect prostate cancer early.

Additional Analysis and Explanation

The Need for Further Research

The results of this study require further investigation to understand the relationship between DM and prostate cancer. Other factors that can affect the risk of prostate cancer, such as family history, lifestyle, and other health conditions, need to be analyzed more in-depth. Further research should be conducted with a larger sample and a longer period of observation to obtain stronger evidence of the relationship between DM and prostate cancer.

Increasing Public Awareness

It is crucial to increase public awareness about prostate cancer, especially in people with DM. This can be achieved through educational and counseling campaigns about the importance of early detection and routine examinations to prevent the development of prostate cancer.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including the small sample size and the retrospective design. Future studies should aim to address these limitations and provide more robust evidence on the relationship between DM and prostate cancer.

Future Directions

Future research should focus on investigating the underlying mechanisms of the relationship between DM and prostate cancer. Additionally, studies should aim to identify potential biomarkers for early detection of prostate cancer in DM patients.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of DM as a risk factor for prostate cancer. The results of this study emphasize the need for further research and increased public awareness about prostate cancer, especially in people with DM. By conducting regular screening and examinations, we can detect prostate cancer early and improve treatment outcomes for patients with DM.

Q: What is the relationship between diabetes mellitus (DM) and prostate cancer?

A: Previous research has shown a link between DM and the risk of prostate cancer. Some studies have found that DM sufferers have a higher risk of prostate cancer compared to those who do not suffer from DM, while others have found the opposite.

Q: What are the symptoms of prostate cancer in patients with DM?

A: The symptoms of prostate cancer in patients with DM are similar to those in patients without DM. These include difficulty starting or stopping the flow of urine, weak or interrupted flow of urine, frequent urination, especially at night, and pain or burning sensation while urinating.

Q: How is prostate cancer diagnosed in patients with DM?

A: Prostate cancer is diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, digital rectal exam (DRE), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, and biopsy. In patients with DM, a biopsy may be recommended if the PSA level is elevated or if there are abnormal findings on the DRE.

Q: What are the risk factors for prostate cancer in patients with DM?

A: The risk factors for prostate cancer in patients with DM are similar to those in patients without DM. These include age, family history, and lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity.

Q: Can diabetes mellitus (DM) increase the risk of prostate cancer?

A: Yes, DM can increase the risk of prostate cancer. Studies have shown that patients with DM have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer compared to those without DM.

Q: What are the treatment options for prostate cancer in patients with DM?

A: The treatment options for prostate cancer in patients with DM are similar to those in patients without DM. These include surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and watchful waiting.

Q: How can patients with DM reduce their risk of developing prostate cancer?

A: Patients with DM can reduce their risk of developing prostate cancer by maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, and following a healthy diet.

Q: What is the prognosis for patients with prostate cancer and DM?

A: The prognosis for patients with prostate cancer and DM is generally good, especially if the cancer is detected early. However, patients with DM may have a higher risk of developing complications from prostate cancer treatment.

Q: Can patients with DM have a normal PSA level and still develop prostate cancer?

A: Yes, patients with DM can have a normal PSA level and still develop prostate cancer. This is because PSA levels can be influenced by various factors, including age, family history, and lifestyle.

Q: How often should patients with DM have a PSA test?

A: Patients with DM should have a PSA test annually, starting at age 50. However, patients with a family history of prostate cancer or other risk factors may need to have a PSA test more frequently.

Q: What are the potential complications of prostate cancer treatment in patients with DM?

A: The potential complications of prostate cancer treatment in patients with DM include urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and bowel dysfunction.

Q: Can patients with DM have a normal digital rectal exam (DRE) and still develop prostate cancer?

A: Yes, patients with DM can have a normal DRE and still develop prostate cancer. This is because DRE is not always accurate and can be influenced by various factors, including age, family history, and lifestyle.

Q: How can patients with DM manage their symptoms of prostate cancer?

A: Patients with DM can manage their symptoms of prostate cancer by following a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and practicing stress-reducing techniques such as meditation and deep breathing.

Q: What is the role of a urologist in the management of prostate cancer in patients with DM?

A: A urologist plays a crucial role in the management of prostate cancer in patients with DM. They can provide a diagnosis, recommend treatment options, and manage symptoms.

Q: Can patients with DM have a normal Gleason score and still develop prostate cancer?

A: Yes, patients with DM can have a normal Gleason score and still develop prostate cancer. This is because Gleason score is not always accurate and can be influenced by various factors, including age, family history, and lifestyle.

Q: How can patients with DM reduce their risk of developing complications from prostate cancer treatment?

A: Patients with DM can reduce their risk of developing complications from prostate cancer treatment by maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, and following a healthy diet.

Q: What is the prognosis for patients with prostate cancer and DM who undergo treatment?

A: The prognosis for patients with prostate cancer and DM who undergo treatment is generally good, especially if the cancer is detected early. However, patients with DM may have a higher risk of developing complications from treatment.

Q: Can patients with DM have a normal PSA level and still develop metastatic prostate cancer?

A: Yes, patients with DM can have a normal PSA level and still develop metastatic prostate cancer. This is because PSA levels can be influenced by various factors, including age, family history, and lifestyle.

Q: How can patients with DM manage their symptoms of metastatic prostate cancer?

A: Patients with DM can manage their symptoms of metastatic prostate cancer by following a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and practicing stress-reducing techniques such as meditation and deep breathing.

Q: What is the role of a multidisciplinary team in the management of prostate cancer in patients with DM?

A: A multidisciplinary team plays a crucial role in the management of prostate cancer in patients with DM. They can provide a diagnosis, recommend treatment options, and manage symptoms.

Q: Can patients with DM have a normal Gleason score and still develop metastatic prostate cancer?

A: Yes, patients with DM can have a normal Gleason score and still develop metastatic prostate cancer. This is because Gleason score is not always accurate and can be influenced by various factors, including age, family history, and lifestyle.

Q: How can patients with DM reduce their risk of developing complications from metastatic prostate cancer treatment?

A: Patients with DM can reduce their risk of developing complications from metastatic prostate cancer treatment by maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, and following a healthy diet.

Q: What is the prognosis for patients with prostate cancer and DM who undergo treatment for metastatic disease?

A: The prognosis for patients with prostate cancer and DM who undergo treatment for metastatic disease is generally poor, especially if the cancer is detected late. However, patients with DM may have a higher risk of developing complications from treatment.