Prostate cancer is the most common fourth cancer in men in India. Often without symptoms at its beginnings, it is very treatable when detected quickly. FIRSTPost Shares expert information on symptoms, diagnosis, risk factors and the crucial role of early screening.
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Prostate cancer
One of the most common cancers affecting men, has increased regularly in India, in particular in urban areas. Although often without symptoms at its beginnings, the disease can cause serious complications if it is not detected and treated over time. Awareness always limited in many men, it is crucial to understand symptoms, risk factors and treatment.
First post According to Dr. Trinanjan Basu, Hod and Senior consultant – ONCOLOGY RADDIATION at the HCG Cancer Center (Borivali) to learn more about the prevalence, the diagnosis of prostate cancer, the diagnosis and the way in which the intervention in time can improve survival rates.
What is prostate cancer and to what extent is it widespread in men in India?
Dr Basu: Prostate cancer affects the prostate gland, part of the male reproductive system. It is cancer specific to men, which generally occurs in older men. In India, it ranks like the fourth most common cancer in men, especially in metropolitan cities. According to the cancer registers, the incidence is approximately 10 cases for 1 lakh of the male population in urban areas, with a constant increase in the last decade.
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What are the initial signs and symptoms of prostate cancer?
Dr Basu: Prostate cancer at an early stage is generally asymptomatic, which makes regular screening essential. When symptoms appear, they often imply changes in urinary habits, such as increased frequency or emergency, urinity of urine, blood in the urine, nocturnal urination and reduced bladder capacity. These symptoms should never be ignored, especially in elderly men.
How is prostate cancer diagnosed? What tests are generally carried out?
Dr Basu: The diagnosis usually starts with a digital rectal exam (DRE) to check the anomalies in the prostate. If suspicion occurs, other tests include prostate MRI and a prostate biopsy to confirm the presence of cancer. The antigen blood test specific to prostate (PSA) is commonly used for initial screening and monitoring. These tests help determine the stage and the aggressiveness of cancer.
What are the main risk factors to develop prostate cancer?
Dr Basu: Age is a major risk factor, most diagnoses occurring between 70 and 75 years. Genetics also plays a role – men with family history of prostate cancer or known BRCA gene changes are more at risk and should consider early screening from 40 and 45. Although the lifestyle and the influence of ethnicity were not specifically discussed here.
What happens if prostate cancer is not treated?
Dr Basu: Without diagnosis or treatment, prostate cancer can move from a localized condition to advanced or metastatic stages, seriously aggravating the prognosis. Once it reaches the hormonal-refractory or castration-resistant phase, treatment options decrease and average survival fall to 15 to 20 months. Advanced stages are associated with serious complications and a reduced quality of life.
What treatment options are available at different stages of prostate cancer?
Dr Basu: The treatment varies according to the stages and the risk category. Active surveillance can be appropriate for cancer at very early (stage 1), especially in older men. For stage 2 and beyond, the options include surgery, radiotherapy, hormone therapy or their combinations. Chemotherapy can be used in advanced cases. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are essential for better results.
Can prostate cancer be healed? What are the survival rates?
Dr Basu: Prostate cancer is highly curable, especially when detected early. Stage 1 patients are often monitored without immediate treatment. Step 2 has approximately a healing rate of approximately 85%, step 3 of around 70%and step 4 less than 40%. Hormone sensitivity also affects results; Once cancer becomes castration resistant, the effectiveness of treatment decreases considerably.
How does age affect the decisions and results of treatment?
Dr Basu: Age is a key factor in treatment and prognosis planning. With a median diagnostic age from 70 to 75, screening beyond 70 can always be beneficial. Younger patients with an early stage disease generally react better to treatment and have longer survival, while older patients can receive more conservative treatment depending on overall health and comorbidities.
What role do the lifestyle factors play in prevention or reducing the recurrence of prostate cancer?
Dr Basu: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important for overall health, although prostate cancer is not directly linked to food like some other cancers. Regimes rich in red meat, fat or those that cause hormonal imbalance, such as low -zinc consumption or high saturated fat can increase the risk and must be avoided. Exercise, combining aerobic and anaerobic activities, improves quality of life and helps to counter the side effects of hormone therapy such as cholesterol imbalance and loss of bone density. The higher body mass index, in particular abdominal obesity, is associated with increased risk due to hormonal effects. Overall, a balanced diet, regular physical activity and healthy weight management are key preventive strategies.
What is the importance of early detection and how can men be encouraged to be tested?
Dr Basu: Early detection is crucial for high healing rates and avoiding aggressive treatments. The PSA blood test should be recommended for all men over 50, and earlier (about 40 to 45 years) for those with family history or genetic risks. Awareness of the public, the encouragement of regular health examinations and the education of men on symptoms and screening methods can considerably improve early diagnosis and save lives.