Prostate cancer: Why regular screening is must
A statement issued by the office of former US President Joe Biden says he has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer.
Often considered a western world problem, during recent years India, too, has been seeing a rising number of prostate cancer cases, particularly among men under 50, with a more aggressive form of the disease.
According to Dr Shailendra Goel, director, urology, Fortis Hospital, Noida, this is one of the most common cancers in males.
“While an early diagnosis, as in most cancers, has a higher success rate, in prostate cancer symptoms become visible only in an advanced stage,” adds Dr Goel.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 37,948 men in India were diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2022.
These numbers are, however, expected to rise significantly with an estimated 47,068 to 47,000 cases annually, making prostate cancer the third most common cancer among men in India. An ageing populating and increased life expectancy is only going add to these numbers.
Typically affecting men over 50, the risk increases with age. Those with a family history of cancer (any kind of cancer and not just prostate cancer) have a higher risk of being affected.
Obesity, diet and lifestyle have emerged as major factors. Many studies have linked a diet high in saturated fat, well-done meats and calcium with an increased risk of prostate cancer. Decreasing physical activity and increasing smoking and alcohol consumption are also contributing to the increasing incidence, particularly in urban areas, say experts.
Symptoms
The prostate is a small-sized gland located just below the bladder and grows with age. Symptoms include:
- Enlarged prostate
- A frequent need to urinate
- Trouble passing urine or a weak flow
- Pain and burning while urinating
- Blood in the urine (making it look pink or red)
- Blood in the semen
- Pain in the lower back, hips or thighs (especially in advanced stage)
- Painful ejaculation
However, many of the symptoms like an enlarged prostate, difficulty in urinating, frequent urination and a weak urine stream are quite common in old age in men, says Dr Goel. Regular annual screening and increased awareness are the only possible effective tools that can help in improving outcomes in cases of prostate cancer.
For men above 50, Dr Goel advises a simple blood test called PSA (prostate-specific antigen) as part of routine testing every year. Those with a family history of cancer should opt for PSA test at earlier age, he adds.
A healthy lifestyle, a fibre-rich, low fat, vegetarian diet and regular exercise can also help in checking the rising incidence of prostate cancer.
