Prostate cancer continues to be among the leading cancers affecting men around the world, however, the awareness about it tends to be poor as compared to other forms of cancer. However, as we strive for better health care, it is crucial to destigmatise prostate cancer in men. Men above the age of 60 years are at the most significant risk, it is important to inform elderly men to seek medical advice and help with prevention and early detection.
Prostate cancer most commonly are asymptomatic or can present with difficulty urinating, including a weak or interrupted urine stream, having to urinate more often, urgency, leaking of urine, blood in the urine or semen, pain or burning during urination, pain in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs.
Most often prostate cancer may not cause any signs or symptoms in its early stages. In the early stages, cancer is confined to the prostate, making it more responsive to treatments like surgery or radiation therapy, with survival rates of up to 95 per cent. In the very early stages, we have a wide range of treatment options, including active surveillance.
Early intervention often requires less aggressive treatment, reducing the risk of side effects like urinary incontinence or erectile dysfunction, and improving the patient’s quality of life.
Screening is the essential step in finding prostate cancer at an early stage. Prostate Cancer screening on a regular basis primarily involves a simple PSA blood test and digital rectal examination. However, concerns and misunderstandings about screening often prevent men from accessing this important preventive health service. It is important to stress the facts relating to screenings and encourage men to go for screenings regularly.
Uro-oncologist or a Urologist are experts in managing prostate cancers. A digital rectal examination, which is a physical examination, is done to look for prostate size, consistency or any irregularity. Followed by a prostate-specific antigen, which is a simple blood test, elevated levels indicate prostate conditions like cancer, infection, or benign enlargement. All males who are aged 60 years and above or older, men who have a first-degree or second-degree relative with a history of cancer especially of the breast or prostate, men who are at high risk due to their ethnicity which is African American, are all eligible for screening for prostate cancer.
Adopting healthy eating, exercising, and shunning cigarette smoking, can mitigate the incidence of prostate cancer and enhance positive health results.
Prasad, aged 70 years, is a retired bank employee, who enjoys his morning walk and yoga. During his regular health check, he was found to have elevated PSA levels of 5ng/ml. Initially, his family physician suggested an antibiotic course of 2 weeks. A year later, repeat PSA showed values of 14 ng/ml. This time he consulted a Uro-oncologist, on digital rectal examination, his prostate was hard. MRI scan showed suspicious areas in the prostate. Prostate cancer was confirmed on targeted biopsy. Luckily his Prostate-specific whole-body PET scan showed disease activity confined to the prostate with no visible disease elsewhere. He underwent a robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy, recovered well, discharged on the next day with a catheter. His catheter was removed a week later, and he was advised pelvic floor exercises. In one month, Prasad was back to his usual routine of morning walks and yoga, with a good quality of life. Prasad was blessed with a second chance, luckily disease was confined to the prostate, and he could undergo surgery, and expect good survival benefits. It's never too late, get your and your loved ones PSA test and consult a Uro-oncologist or Urologist for a better and safe future.
In conclusion, by amplifying our efforts to educate, advocate, and support men's prostate health, we can make a meaningful difference in reducing the burden of prostate cancer and improving the quality of life for men. With prostate screening, early detection saves lives. Let's join forces in our community to ensure that prostate health awareness remains a top priority.
.jpeg)
_20241226144814_original_image_13.webp)
