Latest news with #LongitudinalAgeingStudyinIndia
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Experts highlight risk of undetected prostate cancer
Prostate A recent Lancet Commission report states that 40-50% of prostate cancer cases in India are detected only after the disease has reached metastatic or advanced stages – a city-based specialist cancer, often dubbed the 'silent threat,' continues to go undetected in its early stages due to delayed medical attention—especially among Indian men. The recent revelation about former US President Joe Biden suffering from an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has metastasised to his bones has brought the disease back into global focus. Speculation around Britain's King Charles possibly battling the same condition has only underscored its seriousness.A city-based specialist said that although prostate cancer ranks as the second most common cancer among men in developed nations, it is currently the 12th most common among Indian men. 'However, its incidence is rising in India, and the trend is alarming. A recent Lancet Commission report states that 40-50% of prostate cancer cases in India are detected only after the disease has reached metastatic or advanced stages,' the specialist said, adding that the late diagnosis drastically reduces treatment effectiveness and survival prostate is a small gland located below the bladder that produces seminal fluid. When abnormal cell growth occurs in this gland, it leads to prostate cancer. This condition primarily affects men over the age of 50, with a sharp increase in cases seen among those in their late sixties. According to the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (2020), the population aged 60 and above is expected to grow by 11% by 2050, suggesting a significant rise in elderly men at risk of developing prostate cancer. 'Early-stage prostate cancer is often symptomless, but some signs to watch for include blood in the urine or semen, increased frequency of urination, and difficulty starting urination. Unfortunately, these symptoms are often mistaken for other benign conditions, leading men to ignore them until it is too late,' said a report that the incidence rate of prostate cancer in India ranges from 5 to 9.1 per 100,000 men annually, with urban areas recording higher rates—11.8 and 9.7, respectively. This trend highlights the urgent need for awareness and early detection. Medical professionals commonly recommend that men over 50 undergo a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test. This test measures PSA levels in the blood, with elevated levels potentially indicating the presence of prostate cancer. However, PSA levels can also rise due to non-cancerous conditions such as infections or an enlarged prostate. Furthermore, there is ongoing debate within the medical community about whether all cases of early-stage prostate cancer require aggressive treatment, as the disease often progresses slowly, sometimes taking a decade to cause serious an aging population and increasing urbanisation, the burden of prostate cancer in India is set to grow. Awareness, timely diagnosis, and regular screening can make all the difference in saving lives.
Hindustan Times
25-04-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
With ‘MenCan', TMH steps up on gender-inclusive oncology
Mumbai: Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH), which has for long led efforts to provide cancer care to women and children in India, has launched MenCan, a comprehensive initiative focused exclusively on male cancer patients. The initiative marks a crucial step toward gender-inclusive oncology as it addresses prostate, testicular, and penile cancers, which are common among men. Male pelvic cancers are deeply stigmatised, and silence often leads to late-stage diagnosis. TMH alone sees around 1,100 prostate, 300 testicular, and 150 penile cancer cases annually. But nearly 80% prostate cancer patients are diagnosed in the advanced stages, which contrasts sharply with trends in developed countries, where 80% cases are detected early. 'In India, only 20–30% cases are diagnosed in the second stage. Most reach us when the cancer is far advanced,' said Dr Gagan Prakash, professor of surgical oncology at TMH. 'This is due to a mix of stigma, lack of awareness, and limited access to screening.' MenCan is TMC's answer to this crisis. The programme combines medical care with holistic support—focusing on early detection, counseling, fertility services, financial aid, and long-term rehabilitation through a survivorship clinic. It also works to normalise discussions around male health through public education and outreach. A key concern MenCan addresses is treatment dropout. 'Nearly 20–30% male patients discontinue treatment, primarily due to financial constraints,' said Dr Vedang Murthy, a core member of the initiative. 'Our goal is to ensure no one drops out because they can't afford care, or because they're too ashamed to ask for help.' The initiative includes a confidential helpline (8451009760) for guidance and emotional support, which links up patients with support groups, survivorship meetings, and counselling sessions. 'Our helpline ensures men don't have to face this battle alone,' said Dr Prakash. According to the Global Cancer Observatory 2022, India is expected to record 41,736 prostate, 4,640 testicular, and 11,264 penile cancer cases by 2025. Prostate cancer ranks 12th in India but is expected to climb as the elderly male population grows. The Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) estimates the 60+ demographic will nearly double, from 8.6% to 19.5% by 2050. Though rare, testicular cancer affects men between 14 and 44 years and has a 90% survival rate even in advanced stages. Penile cancer, despite being rare globally, sees the highest incidence in India. TMH's audit of 750 penile cancer cases revealed patients aged between 22 and 91 years. MenCan has roped in well-known singer Shaan as brand ambassador. It has also developed a campus navigation app for TMH's 60-acre ACTREC campus to help first-time visitors. 'MenCan is not just about treating cancer—it's about restoring dignity, breaking silence, and making sure every man gets the care he deserves,' said Dr Prakash. The initiative is likely to be expanded across all Tata Memorial Centres in India, he added.
