The incidence of prostate cancer is rapidly increasing worldwide, including in India. Approximately 1.4 million people fall victim to this disease globally every year. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, after lung and mouth cancer, prostate cancer poses the greatest threat to men, particularly after the age of 50. However, it is now affecting young men as well.
Often, due to negligence, the disease goes unnoticed for a significant period. According to Mayo Clinic, prostate cancer can spread internally to organs such as the bladder, liver, lungs, and abdomen. Cancer cells can reach the bones with the blood, leading to severe and persistent bone pain.
The ability to become a father may be compromised The consequences of developing a connection with prostate cancer range from the disease itself to the side effects of its treatment. Hormone therapy for prostate cancer can halt the production of testosterone hormones in men, leading to erectile dysfunction.
Radiation therapy also adversely affects men’s reproductive health, potentially hindering their ability to become fathers. To preserve fertility, doctors often advise men, especially those with a young age, to freeze their sperm before undergoing surgery so that they can still become fathers through assisted reproductive technologies like IVF.
Prostate glands safeguard sperm Prostate glands are a crucial part of the male reproductive system. They protect and nourish the sperm, aiding in their transportation to female reproductive organs during ejaculation and urination. Prostate glands function as a mechanical switch between ejaculation and urination, expelling semen through the urethra under pressure during ejaculation.
Typically, the weight of the prostate gland is around 30 grams, increasing in size with age. However, cancer can contribute to its enlargement. In areas like Delhi, Punjab, and Gujarat, the risk of prostate cancer is higher, with Delhi reporting approximately 19 cases per 100,000 individuals.
Developed countries like the United States are also witnessing an alarming rise in prostate cancer cases, with an estimated 288,000 new cases expected in 2023 alone.
Genetic mutations and dietary habits contribute to the risk Dr. Anup Kumar mentions that 20% of prostate cancer patients have a family history of the disease. Additionally, 5% of cases can be attributed to genetic mutations found in jeans passed down from parents, increasing the risk of cancer. Lifestyle factors such as dietary negligence and obesity also elevate the risk of prostate cancer. Lack of vegetables in the diet, consumption of saturated fats from processed meat, and exposure to chemicals used in farming, along with habits like smoking and alcohol consumption, contribute to the heightened risk. Moreover, chemicals used in products like paint, varnish, soap, perfume, and leather goods, as well as polluted water, worsen the situation.
Prostate cancer silently develops Dr. Vikram Shah Batra from HCMCT Manipal Hospital in New Delhi notes that prostate cancer often develops silently. Although severe symptoms may not be evident initially, it is crucial not to ignore them. Some patients may not exhibit any symptoms even in the early stages.
If a father or brother has had prostate cancer, get screened Dr. Vikram recommends that individuals with a father or brother diagnosed with prostate cancer before the age of 55 should consult a urologist and start regular checkups from the age of 45. Alongside the PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test, genetic testing to identify mutations in jeans is also essential. If significant symptoms arise, doctors may recommend MRI and prostate biopsy.
However, it is vital to recognize that men may face other problems related to the prostate gland besides cancer. Conditions like prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia can affect men, causing difficulties in urination, pain around the lower back and private parts, fever, and ejaculation issues.
Timely treatment leads to better outcomes Dr. Anup emphasizes that early detection allows for easier treatment, and the chance of living at least five more years increases by up to 90%. Treatment approaches, such as hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, are chosen based on factors like age, overall health, and cancer stage.
For stages 1 and 2 of prostate cancer, robotic technology like the ‘Da Vinci System’ is commonly used in surgery. This minimizes time and reduces tissue damage and blood loss, facilitating faster recovery.
It is essential to be aware of the risks associated with prostate cancer and undergo regular checkups to ensure timely detection and effective treatment.
