Prostate Cancer Screening and Aging

Prostate Cancer is a fairly commonly occurring cancer affecting the males and its incidence is rising slowly in the urban regions of our country. In Delhi this cancer has risen to become the second most common cancer affecting the males.

Prostate Cancer arises from the abnormal growth of the glands of the prostate and its likelihood increases as age increases. Many other factors like obesity, fat rich diet and lifestyle factors contribute to prostate cancer but hereditary factors are much more important. The likelihood of being affected by prostate cancer is much more if your father or brother had prostate cancer.

Early detection and timely treatment is key in Prostate Cancer:

It is important to screen for prostate cancer as the symptoms arise very late. If detected early the prostate can be removed and one can lead a normal lifestyle however in India 70% of the cancers are detected only once they have spread to the bones and other organs. In this situation the life expectancy is limited and treatment bears a high morbidity. The worldwide consensus has thus been screening of prostate cancer in the early stages so that complete treatment can be offered. 

When to opt for Prostate Cancer Screening?

You should go for a serum PSA test after the age of 50 years especially if someone in your family has prostate cancer. In other cases screening is not mandatory but may be a wise decision if you have risk factors to develop this disease. Screening includes a harmless digital rectal examination to feel the prostate and a blood test for PSA and it is strongly recommended that you visit a urologist to discuss and understand if you need to be screened for Prostate Cancer. Please remember that even if detected the cancer is curable and you can lead a normal life despite radical prostatectomy. On the other hand if we look for cancer once symptoms have appeared, the cure may be difficult and there would be high chances of recurrence of the disease. If you feel that prostate cancer can affect you, come forward and get yourself screened. It may be the best thing you could do for yourself and your family.