Experts highlight risk of undetected prostate cancer
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 chances.The 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 doctor.Doctors 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 harm.With 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.
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