Did you know 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime? Prostate cancer is a severe disease for many adult men. It’s the second most common cancer in men worldwide, and the risk of developing it increases in elderly men. The disease starts when cells begin to grow out of control in the prostate gland. Since September is National Prostate Awareness Month for 2021, Medicircle is presenting some important facts about prostate cancer from forming and spreading in your body.

As an adult male, it’s essential to speak with your doctor about prostate exams and go for one regularly. Having an exam increases the chance of the doctor detecting any signs of prostate cancer early on in a curable stage. Also, if you notice any changes in your body in regards to prostate symptoms, it is important to inform your doctor immediately.

Dr. Waheed Zaman is one of the most coveted surgeons in the field of Urology & Renal transplants in India. He is the director of Max Super Speciality Hospital in the specialty of Renal and Urology. 

He has experience of over 22+ Years & has attended some of the eminent institutes Nationally & Internationally. He is an active member of various renowned organizations such as the USI Urology Society of India, AUA, American Urology Association, and World Endo-Urology Society, ISOT.

Symptoms of Prostate cancer 

Dr. Waheed Zaman informs,” Prostate cancer symptoms are seen in the elderly age group 50 + and above males. The symptoms are - 

Prostate enlargement  Increase in frequency of urination  Increased in frequency at night Residual urine in the bladder Painful urination  Urgency in urination  Sudden Erectile dysfunction Blood in urine

Types of prostate cancer 

Benign Prostate Enlargement  Cancerous Prostate Enlargement.”

Surgery for prostate cancer 

Dr. Waheed Zaman informs,” We cannot prevent prostate cancer but control it with - 

Diet modifications  Exercise  Yoga  Lifestyle changes  A healthy diet with fruits and vegetables 

We can control the symptoms and size. As age advances the problem of prostate cancer increases. People over the age of 80 + can have prostate cancer. ⅓ rd population can have this prostate cancer after 50 + years. The causes are - 

Aging  Hormones Family history  Dietary factors  Geographical factors 

Early detection can help with prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is a slow-growing tumor. You can live up to 5 years with prostate cancer without medications. Without medications, there can be complications. Early treatment cures prostate cancer. The survival rate is 10 years in prostate cancer.”

Screening of prostate cancer 

Dr. Waheed Zaman informs,” Serum PSA ( Prostate-Specific Antigen) is an early detection screening test for prostate cancer. This can help detect prostate cancer. This is indicated in cases of patients with urinary and renal problems who are above 50 + years. Such patients should get a PSA test done once in a year who are presenting urinary symptoms.”

Prostatitis can lead to prostate cancer

Dr. Waheed Zaman informs,” There is no strong evidence that chronic prostatitis can cause cancer. Prostatitis is of two types - 

Acute Prostatitis Chronic Prostatitis Bacterial Prostatitis Non-Bacterial Prostatitis

Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland. It is quite common in males. Those who have a higher incidence of Prostatitis are at higher risk of the prostate gland. The urine culture mat shows bacteria. 

Symptoms of Prostatitis

Lower abdominal pain  Pain in genital  Burning in urine  Frequency of urine  Seen in middle age group in 40 +  The cause can be idiopathic  Prostatitis is very common  Clinical correlation is important  Tenderness of prostrate  Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory are given A urine culture can help in Prostatitis

Know more about prostate cancer- 

Dr. Waheed Zaman informs,” Prostate cancer is a disease of the elderly. 25 - 30 % of people about 50 + years old can have prostate cancer. It is very common in males worldwide. It is more seen in southeast Asian, African, American countries. Every male above 50 + should check PSA along with other clinical correlations. 80 % of prostate cancer can be detected with PSA levels. Early detection is a must.``  

(Edited by Dr. Rati Parwani)