One of the top 10 malignancies in India is prostate cancer, and it is becoming more common. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), which oversees all biomedical research in India, has discovered that it is the second most common malignancy among men in the country's major cities.
The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland between a man's bladder and penis. It emerges when aberrant prostate cells proliferate and gather to create a tumor. This gland is responsible for nourishing and safeguarding the male sperm. It has been observed that the disease no longer only affects males over 60; younger individuals too are gradually being identified as patients.
November is the men’s health awareness month and on November 19th we celebrate International Men’s day so this year let's focus on spreading awareness about prostate health. Manipal Hospitals has used every platform and occasion to promote a healthy lifestyle. This year, we invite you to join us in spreading awareness about men’s health of which prostate health is an overlooked aspect.
Continue reading to know everything about prostate health from causes, symptoms, and treatment to prevention tips by our experienced oncologists and urologists in Kharadi, Pune.
Causes of Prostate Cancer
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Prostate cancer risk is largely influenced by age. In India, a person's risk of contracting the illness increases dramatically as they approach 50.
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If there is a family history of cancer, it might potentially manifest earlier.
There are other modifiable risk variables that can affect the likelihood of acquiring prostate cancer, despite the fact that age and family history of the illness are non-modifiable risk factors.
Top among these causes include:
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poor diet
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smoking
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obesity
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insufficient exercise
Prostate cancer risk may also be increased by a family history of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, which raise a woman's risk of developing breast cancer.
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer, unfortunately, does not exhibit noticeable symptoms until it has advanced. To identify the condition as early as possible, keep an eye out for the following:
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Urine Tract Issues
The prostate gland surrounds the urethra and is situated directly below the urinary bladder. Because the prostate gland's tumour presses against the bladder and urethra, this can make urination painful or slower.
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Pain
Prostate cancer can spread to other body parts, notably the bones when it aggravates. This can cause pain and numbness. Back, chest, and pelvic pain may occur from this. It may progress to the spinal cord in some circumstances, which could result in loss of bladder and leg sensation.
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Sexual Issues and Blood in Urine or Semen
Blood in the urine or semen might be an indication of prostate cancer. In the event that you experience this symptom, it is crucial to see a doctor immediately. If you are feeling such symptoms, visit our urology hospital in Kharadi, Pune for treatment.
Diagnosis of the Prostate Cancer
Your doctor may suggest additional tests to find out if you have prostate cancer if a prostate cancer anomaly is found during prostate cancer screening, such as:
Ultrasound
The process involves the insertion of a tiny probe into the rectum. Through this images of the prostate gland are taken with the help of sound waves.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
MRI is prescribed for better images of the prostate gland as it will help your doctor use MRI scans in the planning of surgery to get prostate tissue samples.
Collection of Prostate Tissue Samples
Your doctor can suggest a procedure to obtain a sample of cells from your prostate in order to establish whether there are cancerous cells present (prostate biopsy). A needle is inserted into the prostate during prostate biopsy to collect tissues. The objective is to ascertain whether cancer cells are present, a lab analysis of the tissue sample is performed.
Treatment of Prostate Cancer
Surgery
Radical prostatectomy is the surgical procedure used to remove the prostate gland, some surrounding tissue, and a few lymph nodes. Cancer that has only spread to the prostate may be treated surgically. When combined with other treatments, it is occasionally used to treat advanced prostate cancer.
Hormone Therapy
The male hormone testosterone is produced by your body, thus hormone therapy works to stop it. Testosterone is essential for the growth of prostate cancer cells. The removal of testosterone from the body may cause cancer cells to die or develop more slowly.
Chemotherapy
In chemotherapy drugs are used to kill rapidly proliferating cancer cells. Chemotherapy is given orally, intravenously, or both ways. Consult with our urologist in Kharadi, Pune to know more about the treatment.
Immunotherapy
Due to the cancer cells’ ability to create proteins that aid in their concealment from immune system cells, your body's disease-fighting immune system may not attack your cancer. Immunotherapy affects that process in order to work.
Tips to Prevent Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer can be prevented. Although there is no one method that will guarantee against prostate cancer, a number of preventative actions can be effective. Listed below are certain lifestyle changes that you must adopt to mitigate the risk of prostate cancer:
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Exercise daily
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Manage stress
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Stay sexually active
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Go for regular check-ups
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Maintain Healthy Weight
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Quit smoking and drinking
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Consume more fruits and vegetables
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Take supplements post-consultation with your physician
The theme for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in 2022 is "Awareness and Early Diagnosis Saves Lives," with an emphasis on motivating males, particularly older men who are at high risk, to take preventative measures for their prostate health in order to reduce their risk of developing prostate cancer and any conditions that could eventually lead to it. If you or any of your loved one observes any alarming symptoms, then visit Manipal Hospitals immediately for a diagnosis. We have renowned urologists in Kharadi, Pune, on board with us, who can guide you about every aspect related to prostate cancer.
Manipal Hospitals, Kharadi, Pune
