New Delhi: Prostate cancer is one of the top ten leading cancer cases in India, accounting for nearly 3 per cent of all cancer cases and 6.1 per cent of all male cancers. According to reports, an estimated 33,000 to 42,000 fresh cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed every year. The number of cases indicates that it is imperative to be careful of what is happening in your body and here comes the question of whether you should undergo a cancer screening or not.
Dr Shreyas N, Consultant-Urology, Fortis Hospital, Cunningham Road, Bangalore told News9“Prostate cancer is a common cancer among men, with varying rates depending on geographic location and ethnicity. Given its prevalence, the question of whether or not to undergo prostate cancer screening is a complex one, with no easy answer.”
Understanding Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer arises from the prostate gland, a small organ in men responsible for producing semen. Not all prostate cancers are aggressive; many grow slowly and may never cause significant health problems. This characteristic makes screening particularly challenging.
The Screening Dilemma
According to Dr Shreyas, “The primary screening tests for prostate cancer are the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test and the Digital Rectal Exam (DRE). Elevated PSA levels can indicate prostate cancer but can also be caused by other conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatitis. The DRE involves the doctor examining the prostate gland through the rectum.”
“While these tests can detect prostate cancer early, they also have limitations. A high PSA level or an abnormal DRE often leads to further tests, such as a prostate biopsy.”
The Benefits and Risks of Screening: Proponents of prostate cancer screening argue that early detection allows for treatment when the cancer is localised, increasing the chances of a cure. However, critics point out that the benefits of early detection may be outweighed by the risks of overdiagnosis and overtreatment.
The Role of Individual Risk Factors: The decision to undergo prostate cancer screening should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider and should consider individual risk factors. Men with a strong family history of prostate cancer, African American men, and older men are at higher risk.
Shared Decision-Making: Ultimately, the decision to screen for prostate cancer is a personal one. It is essential to weigh the potential benefits and risks carefully, discuss the options with a healthcare provider, and understand the limitations of screening tests. It is ideal to screen every patient above 45-50 years of age.
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