Prostrate cancer is increasing rapidly in India, which is known to double in 2020. Talking about its early detection is the need of the hour, says a panel of experts in Kolkata.
"Prostate cancer is a slow-going cancer, so if detected at an early stage, it can be cured. It is not only important to cure but also to spread awareness among the masses," Abhay Kumar, Urology and Euro-Oncology Consultant at Narayana Super speciality Hospital, Howrah, said at a press meet on prostate cancer awareness commemorating "No-Shave November".
Prostate Cancer
This cancer affects men over the age of 50 years and screening with rectal examination and PSA can help both in early detection and effective treatment
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‘Family history of the disease, genetic influence and sedentary lifestyle are the main contributing factors for the increased rates of prostate cancer across India.’
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Radiation Oncologist Sayan Das said according to the Indian Medical Council of Research (IMCR), prostate cancer is the second leading cancer among males in large Indian cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Pune and Thiruvananthapuram, and third in cities like Bangalore and Mumbai.
Also, the incidence rates of prostrate cancer are constantly and rapidly increasing in all the population-based cancer registries (PBCRs) of India. The IMCR projection data shows that the number of cases will become double by 2020.
![Prostate Cancer Screening]( "Prostate Cancer Screening")
PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test and Digital Rectal Examination are two tests that allow detection of prostate cancer at early stages.
Talking about the reasons for it going undetected, Kumar said: "People usually neglect the symptoms of difficulty in passing urine, urinary frequency and burning sensation, thinking it to be a part of normal ageing process. Hence, one should get himself screened after crossing 40 years of age."
The doctors mentioned that enlargement of prostate is a normal physiological process and usually starts after 40 years. But at times it creates problems and becomes cancerous.
Explaining about andropause, Kumar said: "Andropause is a condition that is associated with decrease in the male hormone testosterone. Hot flashes, anemia, depression and cognitive decline are some of the side effects. It is very prominent in men undergoing hormonal ablation therapy for prostate cancer."
Earlier, prostate cancer was common in western countries but now it is increasing in India. The reason is the detection of more cases, family history, genetic problem and a sedentary lifestyle.
"The (high) increase rate is mainly due to ignorance. So, we thought about spreading awareness by doing the 'No-Shave November' campaign which started the conversation," Suman Mallik, chief of Radiotherapy said.
The idea of this campaign adapted from the West is to grow one's beard and tell everyone about the logic behind it. Also, those who save money by not shaving can contribute it to the funds for cancer patients.
Source: IANS
Prostate Cancer Screening
PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test and Digital Rectal Examination are two tests that allow detection of prostate cancer at early stages.
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Talking about the reasons for it going undetected, Kumar said: "People usually neglect the symptoms of difficulty in passing urine, urinary frequency and burning sensation, thinking it to be a part of normal ageing process. Hence, one should get himself screened after crossing 40 years of age."
The doctors mentioned that enlargement of prostate is a normal physiological process and usually starts after 40 years. But at times it creates problems and becomes cancerous.
Explaining about andropause, Kumar said: "Andropause is a condition that is associated with decrease in the male hormone testosterone. Hot flashes, anemia, depression and cognitive decline are some of the side effects. It is very prominent in men undergoing hormonal ablation therapy for prostate cancer."
Earlier, prostate cancer was common in western countries but now it is increasing in India. The reason is the detection of more cases, family history, genetic problem and a sedentary lifestyle.
"The (high) increase rate is mainly due to ignorance. So, we thought about spreading awareness by doing the 'No-Shave November' campaign which started the conversation," Suman Mallik, chief of Radiotherapy said.
The idea of this campaign adapted from the West is to grow one's beard and tell everyone about the logic behind it. Also, those who save money by not shaving can contribute it to the funds for cancer patients.
Source: IANS
Prostate Cancer: Treatment Options
Treatment options of prostate cancer includes waiting, surgery, radiation, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, cryosurgery or biologic therapy.
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External Beam Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer
In depth information about various types of external beam radiotherapy for treatment of prostate cancer. Radiotherapy is an alternative to surgical treatment such as radical prostatectomy.
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![Prostate Specific Antigen [PSA]](https://www.medindia.net/images/patientinfo/120x100/prostate-specific-antigen.jpg "Prostate Specific Antigen [PSA]")
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