Joe Biden has aggressive prostate cancer: Why regular screening is important after 50?
Former US President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones. Prostate cancer is common among elderly men and the risk of developing it increases significantly with age. Most cases are diagnosed in men over 50, with the risk continuing to rise with each passing decade. About 60% of prostate cancers are found in men older than 65. The peak incidence of prostate cancer is generally observed in men between 70 and 74.
The only way to stem this spike is screening and early detection. Lack of screening is a matter of concern in India where prostate cancer incidence is projected to double to about 71,000 new cases per year by 2040, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Prostate cancer accounts for three per cent of all cancers in India. A large proportion of patients in India are diagnosed in advanced stages which means that the cancer has spread at the time of diagnosis. As a result, about 65 percent (18-20,000) patients die of the disease.
'Prostate cancer is among the most common cancers affecting men globally, impacting millions each year. Despite its prevalence, it often doesn't receive the same level of public attention or urgency as cancers like breast or lung cancer,' says Dr Yuvaraja TB, Head, Robotic Surgery; Consultant, Surgical Oncology (Uro Oncology), Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai.
Why is early screening so important?
Prostate cancer is highly curable if detected and treated early, especially when confined to the prostate gland. Early detection allows for more effective treatment options like surgery or radiation therapy. Even in more advanced stages, treatment can slow the cancer's growth and extend life. Early-stage prostate cancer often presents no symptoms, which makes regular screening particularly important for at-risk individuals.
Are there other risk factors other than age?
Additionally, men with a family history or high-risk factors, such as poor lifestyle habits and obesity, should be especially vigilant. Diets rich in vegetables, fruits and healthy fats may lower risk, while high consumption of red meat and dairy products may elevate it.
Which tests should one go for?
The Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test measures PSA levels. Elevated levels may indicate prostate cancer but can also be caused by infection or BPH.2. Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) is a physical exam where a doctor checks the prostate for irregularities via the rectum. Some prostate cancers grow so slowly that they may never pose a significant health threat, leading to concerns about overdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment. For this reason, screening is typically advised between ages 45 and 50 for those with higher risk factors.
How frequently should one get tested?
Even in the absence of symptoms, routine screening is recommended every one to two years, depending on PSA levels. Men with constantly low PSA may be screened less frequently while those with higher PSA levels or additional risk factors may require more frequent monitoring.
What should men watch out for?
Frequent need to urinate, especially at night. Blood in semen or urine. Painful ejaculation. Difficulty or pain while urinating, or weak urine flow. Discomfort or pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvic area. It's important to note that non-cancerous conditions can also cause similar symptoms. But it is better to get tested and be sure.
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