3 days ago
Five Prostate Cancer Myths Doctors Want Men To Know
Prostate cancer is a disease that can affect men, especially as they get older.
However, younger men can also be at risk because of family history or genetics.
Some men with early prostate cancer have no symptoms.
Symptoms such as trouble urinating can also come from noncancerous prostate problems.
A high PSA test result does not automatically mean someone has cancer.
Doctors may need to perform more tests to understand the cause.
Prostate cancer can have several treatment options, including surgery, radiation, or hormone treatment.
Even if the cancer returns, doctors may still have treatment approaches to consider.
Prostate cancer risk rises with age, but family history and genetics can affect younger men.
Early prostate cancer may cause no symptoms, so feeling well does not rule it out.
A prostate cancer diagnosis does not mean treatment is impossible or death is inevitable.
An elevated PSA level can result from noncancerous conditions, including infection and urinary retention.
Recurrence can often be addressed with different treatments depending on its location, prior treatment, and the patient’s health.
- Who
- Men, particularly those with increasing age, a family history, or relevant genetic risks, are the focus; Dr Amit Saple provided the medical commentary.
- What
- The article addresses five common myths about prostate cancer, including misconceptions about age, symptoms, PSA levels, treatment, and recurrence.
- Where
- The article focuses on prostate cancer in India and quotes Dr Amit Saple of Visakhapatnam.
- When
- The article cites GLOBOCAN 2022 estimates and discusses current diagnostic and treatment approaches.
- Why
- The myths may cause men to delay screening, diagnosis, or treatment.
Key facts
- Estimated new cases in India
- GLOBOCAN 2022 estimated 37,948 new prostate cancer cases in India.
- Risk factors
- Age, family history, and genetics can influence prostate cancer risk.
- Possible symptoms
- Weak urine flow, difficulty urinating, increased frequency or urgency, blood in the urine, and urinary retention may occur.
- Symptoms and diagnosis
- Early prostate cancer can sometimes occur without symptoms.
- PSA interpretation
- An elevated PSA level can also result from prostate infection or urinary retention.
- Treatment options
- Depending on the disease, treatment may include robotic surgery, hormonal manipulation, or radiation therapy.
- Recurrence
- Treatment choices after recurrence depend on its location, previous treatment, and the patient’s overall health.
Quotes
Dr Amit Saple
Senior Consultant Urologist and surgeon at AINU, Visakhapatnam
“Assumptions and misconceptions can delay your diagnosis and treatment process much more frequently than the disease itself”
NDTV





