Priortise Prostate health and stay one step ahead of prostate cancer.

The world recorded an estimated 1.4 million new cases of prostate cancer and 0.37 million deaths in 2020. India reported 34,540 incidences and 16,783 deaths, which is more than 60% of the prostate cancer burden from South-Central Asia

According to the Indian Council Of Medical Research, prostate cancer is the third most common cancer in Indian men.

Prostate cancer develops in the prostate gland, a walnut-sized organ situated underneath the bladder in men. It is one of the most common types of cancer in men, but the good news is that when detected early, the prognosis for prostate cancer is generally favourable.

Prostate cancer typically grows slowly and may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Regular screening and awareness of potential warning signs are crucial for early detection and timely intervention.

Symptoms:

Symptoms of prostate cancer are rare, and many men show no symptoms while some others get diagnose while being investigated for other common urinary complaints like difficulty in urination which is more common due to benign prostate enlargment and is very common in elderly men.

However, there are some signs of prostate and urinary health to be mindful of

• Difficulty urinating or an increased need to urinate
• Weak or interrupted flow of urine
• Pain in the back, hips, pelvis or bones
• Pain or burning sensation during urination or ejaculation
• Blood in urine
• Sudden erectile dysfunction

Seeking timely diagnosis

Early detection of prostate cancer significantly improves outcomes. Men should be proactive about their health and seek medical attention if they experience any of the warning signs mentioned earlier. A doctor will perform various tests to screen for prostate cancer, including: Digital rectal exam (DRE) (i.e. physically examines the prostate via your anal canal to feel for abnormalities.)

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test: Used as a screening test. Elevated levels may indicate the presence of prostate cancer

Biopsy: If the DRE or PSA test raises concerns, patients may be subjected to a biopsy to collect tissue samples from the prostate gland for further testing

Treatment

The patient and physician should look at the options available to treat his prostate cancer and develop a personalized road map to manage symptoms, preserve quality of life and cure his cancer.

• Surgery, which includes removing the entire prostate gland and surrounding regional lymph node tissues

• Radiation therapy, or beams of radiation focused on the prostate
• Hormone therapy, which reduces levels of male hormones to stop them from affecting prostate cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy in advanced stages
• In very elderly patients and who are not fit for major treatment, option of watchful waiting can also be offerd.

On the ocassion of Prostate cancer awreness month this September let us create awreness about he warning signs of prostate cancer and take pledge to .Prioritise your prostate health and stay one step ahead of prostate cancer.