Are you at a risk of Prostate Cancer?

Dec 12 , 2017 | 3 min read

Mostly affecting men older than 50, Prostate cancer may develop with little or no early warning signs. Furthermore, the symptoms may vary from one individual to another and is usually related to deviation from normal urinary voiding patterns. Symptoms may be usually caused by a severe infection or prostatic enlargement. If there are any urinary symptoms that you feel are unusual or have stated for more than 2 weeks, it is advisable to consult one of best cancer hospitals in Delhi. It should be necessary for all men to get the routine screenings and tests done to stay informed about their health.

What are the symptoms of Prostate Cancer?

The symptoms of prostate cancer are similar to the normal age-related benign enlargement of the prostate (BEP), which makes it important for every male to be aware of what they are. The symptoms include:

Urgency to urinate
Weak or slow urinary stream
Frequent urination, especially at night
Blood in the semen or urine
Pain or burning sensation during urination
Inability to empty the bladder completely
Urine leak and dribbling
Painful ejaculation
Pain in the hips, back and legs

As stated earlier, these symptoms may also be because of any non-cancerous condition, however, seeking medical attention is recommended for proper diagnosis.

Immediate medical intervention is required when: Retention of urine, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, bone and back pain.

Who is at Risk?

While some risk factors like alcohol and smoking can be controlled and changed, others such as family history, race and age cannot be changed. However, having any of the risk factors does not mean that someone will surely get the disease. Many people with multiple risk factors never get affected by cancer, while on the other hand; many cases of Prostate Cancer had few or no known risk factors.

The risk of prostate cancer is low in men younger than 40. However, it rapidly increases after the age of 50
Prostate cancer is the second leading cancer in Delhi
Previously it was thought, that the prevalence of prostate cancer in India is far lower as compared to the western countries but with the increased migration of rural population to the urban areas, changing lifestyles, increased awareness and easy access to the medical facility, more cases of prostate cancer are being picked up and it is coming to the knowledge that we are not very far behind the rate from the western countries.
Family history plays a major role in putting someone at risk
Obesity and genetic changes are also linked to the risk of prostate cancer

What is the Treatment plan?

It is 99% treatable, and there are several prostate cancer treatment options available.

Removal of the prostate gland through radical prostatectomy. Recent advances in the surgical removal of the gland are through Laparoscopy & Robotic prostate surgery. Use of Laparoscopy or Robot minimises blood loss and hospital stay
Shrinking and killing of cancer cells through radiation therapy
Killing of cancer cells using drugs through chemotherapy
Stopping the production of testosterone through hormone therapy
Shrinking and killing of a tumor by placing radioactive seeds in or around a tumor through brachytherapy
Cryosurgery – killing cancer cells by freezing the tissue
Heating the prostate tissue to kill cancer cells through ultrasound therapy

The earlier the disease is detected, the better are the chances of an effective treatment. Based on the individual risk of the disease, lifestyle, and age, the doctor decides on how often one should be screened and at what age those screenings should start. We at Max Healthcare are proud to be branded as one the best cancer hospitals in Delhi and have an experienced panel of doctors in the field. The Uro-oncology department is well-equipped with advanced treatment equipment which includes new generation Robot and Radiotherapy suite.