New Delhi: Prostate cancer is one of the most frequent types of cancer among men globally. While it primarily affects older men, it is important to note that this condition may afflict anyone of any age. Awareness of prostate cancer, its risk factors, symptoms, and the need for early identification is critical to saving lives and improving outcomes for those who have been diagnosed.
While talking about the deadly disease, Dr. Aakaar Kapoor, Radiologist, CEO & Lead Medical Advisor:f City X-Ray and Scan Clinic, answered all FAQs about prostate cancer.
Understanding Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer starts in the prostate gland, which is a tiny walnut-shaped gland in males that produces seminal fluid. Prostate cancer, like other cancers, develops when cells in the prostate gland grow out of control. If left untreated, prostate cancer can spread to other regions of the body, causing serious difficulties and even death.
A variety of factors play a role in a man’s chance of acquiring the condition. Age is the number one risk factor (particularly beyond 50) closely followed by family history. Additionally, lifestyles such as food, weight, and inactivity may contribute to the development of prostate cancer.
The impact of early detection and treatment.
Early identification of prostate cancer improves the odds of effective therapy. Regular screenings, such as the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, are critical for detecting the illness early on. Men over 50, or those with a family history of prostate cancer, should explore screening alternatives with their healthcare provider. With advances in medical research and treatment choices, the prognosis for prostate cancer patients is improving. However, awareness and education remain critical components in the battle against this disease.
Why is screening for prostate cancer a must?
PSA screening has resulted in a significant shift in how prostate cancer patients present — that is, the status of their illness at the time of diagnosis.
More men seek treatment for early-stage, possibly curable diseases. Most crucially, there is no doubt that prostate cancer fatalities have fallen by around 40% since the introduction of PSA screening, as demonstrated by a National Cancer Institute study.
Prostate cancer is one of the most frequent tumors in males, although early identification can significantly improve treatment results and quality of life. When detected early, prostate cancer is highly curable, and patients have a broader choice of alternatives. This is why frequent screening and early diagnosis are critical to men’s health. Here are some major advantages of early prostate cancer detection:
- Additional treatment choices: Early detection of prostate cancer may allow for less intrusive therapies including active surveillance, focused therapy, or minimally invasive surgery. Early-stage prostate cancer may not call for intensive treatment strategies thereby, reducing potential side effects and consequences.
- Increased survival rates: Localised prostate cancer has a near-perfect 5-year survival rate. Early identification and treatment can prevent cancer from spreading and increase long-term survival chances.
- Improved quality of life: Early detection of prostate cancer helps maintain sexual and urinary function. Minimally invasive therapies frequently result in shorter recovery times and fewer side effects than more sophisticated treatments. Early detection of prostate cancer can decrease the mental load and uncertainty that comes with a later-stage diagnosis. Regular prostate cancer screening, usually with a combination of PSA blood tests and digital rectal examinations (DRE), can help detect the illness in its early stages.
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