Prostate cancer cases rising among Indian men under 50
Prostate cancer, a condition usually linked with older men, is now showing a worrying trend among younger folks in India. Medical professionals are seeing a noticeable uptick in cases among men under 50. Even more concerning, these younger patients are often found to have a more aggressive type of the disease. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 38,000 Indian men were affected by prostate cancer in 2022 alone.
Early detection is key to managing prostate cancer
Dr. Ashish Gupta, a top oncologist at Unique Hospital Cancer Centre in Delhi, stresses how crucial early detection is for managing prostate cancer. He says, "Early detection significantly increases the survival rates as prostate cancer is often slow-growing and can be managed effectively if identified in the initial stages." He also points out that late diagnosis is a big problem in India.
Rgular check-ups and PSA tests can help
Dr. Gupta says that regular check-ups and PSA tests can help men keep tabs on their health, possibly catching prostate cancer before it gets out of hand. He also pointed out the importance of not brushing off or ignoring symptoms like trouble urinating, needing to pee a lot (especially at night), blood in urine or semen, and pain in the hips, back, or pelvis. These could all be red flags for prostate cancer.
A growing concern among urban men
Dr. Gupta has noticed a worrying uptick in prostate cancer cases among younger guys, especially those between 35-44 who live in big cities. That's a big change from earlier times when the disease was mostly linked to men over 50. He also pointed out that modern treatments like immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and a mix of radiation and chemotherapy are turning out to be effective options for prostate cancer patients.
Genetic factors and lifestyle choices
Dr. Tanvi Sood, an oncologist at Paras Hospital in Gurugram, says that genetic factors can influence who gets this disease. Dr. Gupta agrees, noting that guys with a family history of prostate cancer are at a greater risk and should think about getting screened earlier and more frequently. He also adds that making healthy lifestyle choices, like eating a diet packed with fruits, veggies, and whole grains, along with regular exercise, can help reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer.
