Prostate Cancer Awareness: Early Detection Can Save Lives

Prostate Cancer Awareness serves as a critical reminder of a silent yet significant health concern affecting millions of men globally. This article is dedicated to spreading awareness, encouraging early detection, and promoting regular screenings.

Globally, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men and the fifth leading cause of cancer death. In 2022, over 1.4 million new cases were recorded, and 396,000 men lost their lives to the disease. These numbers are projected to rise to 2.4 million cases and 712,000 deaths by 2040.

In India, the burden is growing rapidly. It is now the second most common cancer among Indian men, with nearly 40,000 new cases reported in 2020 alone. With an age-standardizedincidence rate of 5.6 per 100,000, India also ranks fourth in prostate cancer-related mortality. This increase is attributed to longer life expectancy, urban lifestyles, and lack of routine screenings. Delhi-NCR has reported the highest incidence rates, according to the Journal of Reproductive Healthcare and Medicine.

Amid these worrying statistics, Dr. Dr. Kalyan Kumar A.VConsultant, Urology & Andrology at Star Hospital, Hyderabad, throws light on the nature of the disease and why timely awareness and screening are crucial.

What is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer begins in the prostate gland, a small, walnut-shaped gland that plays a role in sperm maturation in men. While it may not cause symptoms in the early stages, it can grow silently and become dangerous if ignored.

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer: Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs

Most early-stage prostate cancers show no symptoms or will manifest no differently from a benign age-related growth of the prostate, making routine checks vital. But when symptoms do appear, they may include:

·         Frequent urge to urinate, especially at night

·         Weak or interrupted urine flow

·         Pain or burning during urination

·         Blood in urine or semen

·         Painful ejaculation or erectile dysfunction

·         Pain in the back, hips, or chest

“These symptoms often get confused with ageing or other urinary issues,” adds Dr. Kalyan Kumar A.V, “but they must not be ignored. A timely consultation with a urologist can make all the difference.”

Dr. Dr. Kalyan Kumar A.V 

Consultant, Urology & Andrology 
at Star Hospital, Hyderabad 

Why Awareness Matters?

“Many men delay health checkups due to embarrassment or misinformation,” says Dr. Kalyan Kumar A.V. “But prostate cancer, if caught early, is highly treatable. The problem is, in India, many patients come to us in the later stages, often after the cancer has spread beyond the prostate.”

Risk Factors:

Prostate cancer generally grows slowly, but in some cases, it can become aggressive. Risk factors include:

·         Age above 50 (most cases occur after 65)

·         Family history of prostate cancer

·         Race and Ethnicity  

·         Genetic mutations like BRCA1/2 or Lynch syndrome

·         Obesity and smoking

Diagnosis and Management: Today’s Advanced Options

Detecting prostate cancer starts with a digital rectal examination conducted by a urologist in the clinic and will also include a serum PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test. If the PSA is elevated, further evaluations are done through:

·         Prostate Biopsy: Using a needle to extract tissue samples

·         Multiparametric MRI: To identify suspicious areas in the prostate

·         PSMA PET Scan or Bone Scan: To detect if the cancer has spread to the rest of the body

Treatment options vary depending on the stage and severity of the disease:

·         Robotic Radical Prostatectomy: A minimally invasive surgery to remove the prostate

·         Radiation Therapy: To target and kill cancer cells

·         Hormone Therapy: To block testosterone, which fuels cancer growth

·         Chemotherapy & Immunotherapy: For advanced stages when cancer has spread

Conclusion:

Prostate cancer is not just an old man’s disease; it’s a real, growing health threat for Indian men. The good news? It’s highly treatable when caught early.

Don’t wait for symptoms to show. If you're over 50 or have a family history, speak to your doctor about getting screened. An annual PSA test, urine analysis, and a simple ultrasound can detect early changes and save lives.

At Star Hospital, Hyderabad, we are committed to men’s health. This June, as we celebrate Men’s Health Month, we offer you the service of the best Urologist in Hyderabad. With cutting-edge technology, a team of experienced urologists, and personalized care, we ensure timely diagnosis and effective treatment. Book your appointment with an expert urologist at Star Hospital today. Don’t delay, early detection could be the key to a healthier, longer life.

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