Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 9: Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting the aging male population worldwide, and India is no exception. Despite advances in treatment, the biggest challenge with prostate cancer remains its silent progression—often showing no symptoms in its early stages. Like many cancers, prostate cancer typically remains asymptomatic until it reaches an advanced stage. By the time symptoms emerge—such as difficulty urinating, frequent urination, or pain—it’s often because the cancer has already spread (metastasized) to other parts of the body. Unfortunately, this is when most patients seek medical attention, which drastically limits treatment options.
In the United States, for instance, the national prostate cancer management program removed routine screening—a move now linked to an increase in advanced cases, including that of Mr. Joe Biden, whose cancer was reportedly discovered only after it had spread. This highlights a critical lesson: without regular screening, prostate cancer often goes undetected until it’s too late for effective intervention.
The primary screening tool is the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test. Current recommendations suggest that all men aged 40 and above should discuss prostate cancer screening with their doctor and consider annual PSA testing. If PSA levels are below 4 ng/mL and there are no significant symptoms, annual monitoring is typically sufficient. However, if PSA levels begin to rise, or if a digital rectal exam reveals an abnormal prostate, further tests such as MRI, biopsy, and PSMA (Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen) scan are needed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the cancer’s stage.
When caught early, prostate cancer is one of the most treatable cancers. It generally grows slowly, and early treatment can lead to excellent outcomes, including higher survival rates, better quality of life, and fewer complications. Screening saves lives. Men over 40 should talk to their doctor about annual PSA tests—especially those with a family history of prostate cancer or other risk factors. Early detection is the key to managing prostate cancer effectively and preserving quality of life.