A very shocking and serious report has come out regarding the health of men in India. Health experts and recent national survey data have drawn attention to a silent disease that is spreading rapidly in the country. we are talking Prostate Cancer which is becoming the most common but most ignored cancer in men. A recent large-scale study of 1,036 men aged 45 and older found that approximately 84 percent of men were unaware that they had ever been screened for prostate cancer, or did not consider it necessary. In terms of health awareness, this figure is no less than a big alarm bell.
The results of this survey have worried the medical world. According to the report, 60.8 percent of the men surveyed, or about 6 out of 10 men, had no idea whether they had ever been screened for prostate health during their routine medical checkup. Additionally, only 16 percent of men admitted that they had ever gotten tested for prostate cancer. The remaining majority either had no clarity about this test or believed that they did not need any cancer test. This is the situation when two-thirds of these men claim to get routine health checkups done every year.
One of the major reasons for the spread of prostate cancer is lack of awareness about it. 68.9 percent of the men surveyed could not identify a single risk factor for prostate cancer. Only 13.2 percent people knew that family history could be a major cause of this disease. According to senior experts of Max Healthcare, when such a large part of the country's population is unaware of the initial symptoms and causes of the disease, it becomes impossible to get timely treatment.
The 'PSA' (prostate-specific antigen) blood test is considered to be the most primary and effective means for detecting prostate cancer. However, during the survey, only 31 percent of the people had ever heard of PSA test and only 14 percent of the men themselves had asked for this test from the doctor. The main reason for this is that men in Indian society hesitate to talk openly about their personal health problems. Statistics show that 59.5 percent of men feel uncomfortable discussing prostate screening or its treatment with a doctor, while only 18 percent take the initiative to seek consultation on the subject.
Cancer experts say that if prostate cancer is caught in the early stages, it can be completely cured with the help of modern medical methods and the patient can be given a quality life. The problem is that in most of the cases the patients approach the urologist when the disease has progressed significantly. The surprising thing is that 67 percent of the people surveyed expressed full trust in doctors, but only 36 percent of them knew that 'Urologists' are the right specialists for prostate related problems.
According to health experts, every man who has crossed the age of 45 to 50 years should pay special attention to prostate health. If you notice any of the following symptoms, consult a urologist immediately:
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Difficulty urinating or having frequent urination (especially at night).
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Weak or intermittent flow of urine.
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Signs of blood in urine or semen.
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Persistent pain in the lower back, hips or upper thighs.
The results of this national survey send a clear message that men should include prostate screening and PSA testing in their routine annual health checkup. Doctors and health organizations are advising that after the age of 45, openly discuss prostate health with the doctor without any hesitation. The increasing risk of this deadly disease can be avoided by early detection and taking timely action.