Prostate Cancer: The Silent Killer If Not Treated In Time

Prostate Cancer now accounts for the second leading type of cancer in India, resulting in an alarming increase in the rate of death. The risk of this type of cancer is higher in men who have crossed the age of 40. Although it was assumed that the chance of prostate cancer is lower in India than that of other countries; but with the rapid migration to urban areas, the prevalence of stressful lifestyle and lack of proper diet – the numbers for men suffering from prostate cancer have grown exponentially.

What is prostate cancer?

It is the presence of cancerous cells in ‘prostate’ gland which is a small gland that lies under the urinary bladder. The gland is responsible for producing fluids for the nourishment of male semen. What makes it deadly is that many times it does not have any initial symptoms. Even those which are generally observed in cancer patients could be caused by benign prostate problems. But, some common symptoms indicating prostate problems are:

1. Frequent need to urinate; especially at night
2. Difficulty in passing urine or stopping
3. Blood in urine or semen
4. Leaking of urine while laughing or coughing

The above points don’t indicate that the individual has prostate cancer. However, if not treated in time, these symptoms can escalate to pose a bigger health risk. There are some symptoms of advanced prostate cancer.

1. Sudden loss of weight or fatigue, with a loss of appetite.
2. Nausea
3. Sharp pain or stiffness in the pelvis region, lower back region, upper thighs and ribs and even pain in the bones.
4. Swelling of the prostate gland. Swelling of the legs
5. Constipation

Researchers have recently uncovered a new group of tumor cells in the blood samples of the cancer patient. The National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) Cancer Conference held recently in Liverpool showed evidences of 80 samples of men with prostate cancer. In the conference, research scientists at the Barts Cancer Institute at Queen Mary University said that they were searching for cells which have the ability to migrate and infect other parts of the body. They are predicting that in future those cells would act as markers to check prostate cancer patient and will also help in predicting whether this disease is going to affect the patient severely or not.

Indian context:

Prostate cancer is amongst the top ten leading types of cancer in India. Till 2014, at least 20,000 cases of Prostate Cancer were reported. The statistics also indicate that the number of cases is likely to double by 2020. Based on a report by Globocan, men in almost all regions of India are equally affected by this cancer, whether it is Delhi or Thiruvananthapuram. The best prevention is to get regular examinations done by your doctor.

The Logical Indian urges the men to go for regular check-ups and requests the women to encourage all the men in their life to take preventive action.