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First Post
24-05-2025
- Health
- First Post
Doctor explains: Lifestyle changes alone won't stop prostate cancer — here's what else is needed
Prostate cancer, one of the most common cancers among men, has come under renewed focus amid rising cases globally and in India. Public figures like Joe Biden have brought attention to the disease, which often presents no early symptoms. Firstpost brings out an expert's opinion on various aspects of the disease. read more Illustration depicting a cross-section of the prostate gland affected by cancerous cells. It highlights the abnormal tissue growth and potential spread to surrounding areas, using color-coding to differentiate healthy and cancerous tissues. This is an AI-generated image. The recent revelation of former US President Joe Biden's aggressive prostate cancer diagnosis has once again brought the spotlight to one of the most common cancers affecting older men. While prostate cancer is often treatable, Biden's case highlights the complexities of diagnosis and the importance of timely screening, even for those who undergo regular health checkups. Experts now question whether warning signs might have been missed and whether current screening guidelines need to be re-evaluated. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Prostate cancer, which affects over 300,000 men annually in the US is no longer rare in India either. Rising incidence in younger age groups, especially men in their early 50s, signals a shift in disease patterns that warrants urgent attention. Firstpost spoke with Dr Sajjan Rajpurohit, Senior Director – Medical Oncology, BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital to discuss various aspects such as detection, awareness, prevention and management of prostate cancer. What is Prostate Cancer? Prostate cancer develops when cells within the prostate gland begin to grow uncontrollably. This small gland, located beneath the bladder and in front of the rectum, is responsible for producing seminal fluid. It's a common malignancy; it's estimated that 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. In India, the incidence rate is also on the rise, attributed to increased awareness and improved diagnostic capabilities. Early signs and symptoms In its initial stages, prostate cancer often presents no symptoms, making early detection challenging without screening. However, as the disease progresses, men may experience: *Frequent urination, particularly at night *Difficulty starting or stopping urination *Weak or interrupted urine flow *Painful urination or ejaculation *Blood in urine or semen *Persistent pain in the back, hips, or pelvis Men must be aware of these symptoms and consult a healthcare professional if they arise. How is it diagnosed? Diagnosis typically involves a combination of tests: PSA Test: The Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test measures PSA levels in the blood. Elevated levels can indicate prostate cancer or other prostate conditions. Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): A doctor performs a DRE to manually examine the prostate gland through the rectal wall, checking for any abnormalities. MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) provides detailed images of the prostate and surrounding tissues, helping to pinpoint suspicious areas. Biopsy: If initial tests suggest cancer, a biopsy is performed to confirm the diagnosis. This procedure involves taking small tissue samples from the prostate for microscopic examination. Major risk factors Several factors can increase a man's risk of developing prostate cancer: Age: The risk increases significantly after age 50. Genetics: A family history of prostate cancer, especially in close relatives, can elevate risk. Lifestyle: Diets rich in red meat and dairy products, along with obesity, may contribute to increased risk. Ethnicity: Prostate cancer is notably more common in African American men compared to men of other ethnicities. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Progression and treatment options If untreated, prostate cancer can advance from a localized disease to an advanced stage, potentially spreading to nearby tissues and distant organs, leading to severe complications like bone pain and fractures. This underscores the importance of early detection and treatment. Treatment options vary based on the cancer's stage: Active Surveillance: For low-risk, localized cases, doctors might recommend monitoring without immediate intervention. Surgery: Radical prostatectomy, the surgical removal of the prostate gland and some surrounding tissue, is often recommended for localized cancer. Radiation Therapy: This method uses high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells, either as a primary treatment or post-surgery. Hormone Therapy: This approach aims to lower male hormone levels that can fuel cancer growth, frequently used for advanced prostate cancer. Chemotherapy: For advanced cases, chemotherapy may be employed to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells throughout the body. Recent advancements, including targeted therapies and immunotherapy, are also showing considerable promise in improving patient outcomes. Can it be cured? Prostate cancer can often be cured, particularly when caught early. Survival rates for localized prostate cancer are very high, with nearly 100% of men surviving five years after diagnosis. However, survival rates decline for advanced stages, reinforcing the critical importance of early detection and timely treatment. Age and treatment decisions A patient's age significantly influences treatment decisions. Older individuals may have different health considerations, potentially leading to a choice for less aggressive treatments, while younger patients might opt for curative approaches. A thorough discussion with a healthcare provider is essential to determine the most suitable strategy for individual circumstances. Role of lifestyle in prevention and recurrence Lifestyle factors play a substantial role in both preventing prostate cancer and reducing its recurrence risk. Maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, combined with regular exercise and a healthy weight can help lower risk. Additionally, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption are vital preventive measures. Importance of early detection Early detection is paramount for successful prostate cancer treatment outcomes. Men, especially those at higher risk due to age or family history, should be encouraged to discuss screening options with their healthcare providers. Regular screenings, including PSA tests and DREs, can help identify the disease in its most treatable stages.
Indian Express
19-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
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.
