Understanding Prostate Cancer, Know the Symptoms and Treatment

Understanding Prostate Cancer: The famous music master Ustad Rashid Khan died not long ago in a hospital in Kolkata, where he had been getting care for prostate cancer, which he had been fighting for a long time. Actually, prostate cancer is one of the five most common types of cancer in Indian men. It is more common in people 65 and older. As a Consultant Surgical Oncologist at Gleneagle Hospitals Kengeri in Bengaluru, Dr. Karthik K. Prasad says,  “Early detection is the key and there is a need to raise awareness about the disease in the community and family physicians. Prostate cancer survival depends on its stage. Life expectancy is very high if detected early.”

But first, let’s talk about what prostate cancer is and why early detection is important.

Understanding Prostate Cancer

Men are the only ones who have the prostate gland. It makes some of the fluid that is in semen. When cells in this gland start to grow too fast, you have prostate cancer.

As stated by the American Cancer Society, “Almost all prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas and develop from the gland cells in the prostate (the cells that make the prostate fluid that is added to the semen).”

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Signs of prostate cancer

Talking about symptoms, Dr. Prasad stated, “Most prostate cancer patients have no symptoms to symptoms like difficulty urinating, frequent urination, new onset of erectile dysfunction, presence of blood in urine, and low back ache.”

Dr. Manohar Bhadrappa, a Consultant Urology and Renal Transplant Surgeon at Manipal Hospitals, Sarjapur Road, said, “One clear sign is going to the bathroom a lot, especially at night.” Additionally, a weaker pee stream or trouble starting to urinate may be signs of possible problems. Even though it doesn’t happen very often, blood in the pee or sperm should not be ignored.

Treatment

In India, most cases of prostate cancer are found when they are already very far along. Men over 50 who don’t have any signs of prostate cancer should be screened for it. This is one of the best ways to find it early.

At this point, Dr. Manohar Bhadrappa said, “Detecting prostate carcinoma in its early stages is crucial for effective treatment. Regular screenings, including PSA (prostate-specific antigen) tests and digital rectal exams, are essential for early detection. Awareness of these signs, coupled with routine check-ups, empowers individuals to address potential issues promptly, improving the chances of successful treatment and maintaining overall prostate health.”

“The five year survival rate is almost 100% in early-stage disease. Nearly 80% will survive their cancer for more than ten years,” added Dr. Prasad.

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