Humans are extremely vulnerable to illnesses and diseases, and many of them begin inside the body! Prostate cancer is on the rise in the Asia Pacific area, according to research done by Jansenn, a pharmaceutical firm. Prostate cancer will become a serious health concern in the coming years, according to the report.
Due to hormonal changes, older men's prostates expand and they're more likely to have prostate issues.
What is Prostate Cancer and How Does it Affect You
The prostate gland is a tiny walnut-shaped gland that generates seminal fluid, which is used to nurture and transport sperm. Prostate cancer is one of the most frequent forms of cancer in men, and it generally starts in gland cells.
In India, Prostate Cancer is the most common cancer
In the periods of 2010 and 2015, India's projected prostate cancer cases were 26,120 and 28,079. The incidence rates of this disease are steadily rising, with cancer data indicating that the number of cases has doubled by 2020.
According to the data released by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the incidence rate of prostate cancer in India is 9-10/100000 population, which is higher than in Asia and Africa but lower than in the United States and Europe. As a result, specialists recommend getting a full physical examination, including a Digital Rectal Examination, to diagnose prostate cancer at an early stage.
It is preventable, and early detection is recommended
Prostate cancer grows slowly and is largely benign. A cure rate of 99 per cent can be achieved with early diagnosis. Screening and early detection have been proved to save lives. When it comes to screening, it's best to consult with your doctor. The routine screening procedure usually begins at the age of 50. Screening might begin as early as age 40, depending on your family history and other relevant risk factors.
In the early stages of prostate cancer, there may be no signs or symptoms
Other conditions, such as prostatitis, are primarily diagnosed for symptoms. Signs and symptoms of more advanced prostate cancer include:
Difficulty in urination
Urgency to pass urine
Passing urine more often than usual, especially at night
Obstructive/weak urination, incomplete bladder emptying
Not having a feeling of emptied bladder
Discomfort in the pelvic area
Blood in the semen
Erectile dysfunction
Bone pains
Blood in the urine
Loss of bladder or bowel control due to cancer growth pressing the spinal cord.
Weakness or numbness in the legs or feet
If you have any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor.
Not always necessary to have surgery
Once diagnosed with prostate cancer, the risk level is evaluated using a tool called Gleason Scale. A Gleason score of 6 or less indicates low risk, 7 indicates intermediate risk, and 8 to 10 indicates high risk.
Low-risk cancer has a fair probability of growing slowly enough that they won't need therapy during their lives. Instead of therapy, the doctor may prescribe frequent monitoring, such as Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) testing, Digital Rectal Examination (DRE), and TRUS biopsies, to ensure cancer does not become more aggressive.
Changes in Lifestyle make an impact
The best lifestyle adjustments that men can focus on how to improve their prostate health are those that also benefit their overall health:
Maintain healthy body weight and avoid obesity.
Indulge in regular physical activity.
Limit your intake of high-calorie foods and drinks.
Eat at least 400gm of vegetables and fruits each day.
Choose whole grains instead of refined grain products.
Limit the intake of processed and red meat.
Avoid alcohol or limit the alcohol intake to no more than 2 drinks per day.
Limit the intake of dairy foods and diets rich in calcium.
Conclusion
Not only do thousands of men die each year in India from prostate cancer, but it is also overtaking breast as the most common cancer! Yet it hardly registers on society's radar.
Don't become a statistic or leave it until it is too late. Get it checked as early as possible.