Prostate Cancer: Awareness, Early Detection key to Survival

Ludhiana, September 4, 2014: One of the most common cancers in men, the carcinoma of the prostate gland has often been considered a disease of the western world since its incidence has traditionally been higher in high income countries. However, with changing lifestyles and increasing life expectancy, the rate of prostate cancer is growing rapidly in India. But this trend has not accompanied a corresponding increase in the levels of awareness.

If prostate cancer is diagnosed early, it can be treated successfully. In fact, in 9 out of 10 cases, early detection can provide a long-term cure. But, for early diagnosis, awareness about the disease and its screening modalities is absolutely crucial.

The prostate is an exocrine gland of the male reproductive system, and exists directly under the bladder. It is through the prostate that the urethra - the tube carrying urine and semen out of the body - goes through. Besides producing a fluid that forms part of the semen and protects the sperm, the prostate gland also plays a role in urine control.

Dr. Baldev Singh Aulakh, HOD, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana says that "Early detection implies diagnosing of the cancer before it has spread outside the prostate gland. When the latter happens, it becomes difficult to cure. Symptoms of the disease often occur at the advanced stage, by when it is often too late to successfully treat it. This is why doctors recommend preventive screenings for people who fall in the higher risk category."

The risk of developing prostate cancer increases exponentially with age.  Almost 70% of all prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over the age of 65.  Other risk factors include race and ethnicity, lifestyle disorders, hereditary factors. About 5% to 10% of cases runs in families, where the patient inherits a high risk of this type of cancer. Some studies have also indicated that men with sexually transmitted diseases too have a higher chance of getting afflicted with prostate cancer.

Dr. Aulakh also says that, "Screening using prostate specific antigen (PSA) is the most common way to check if there is any cancerous growth in the prostate cancer. Prostate-specific antigen is a substance produced in the prostate gland. It is produced by the cells in the prostate gland. Most healthy men have levels under 4 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) of blood. When the PSA level is found to be increasing, this indicates the possibility of cancer." If the PSA level is found to be higher than normal, the doctor may seek a prostate biopsy to confirm if you have cancer.