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Health Desk. Prostate cancer is a rapidly increasing serious health threat in men. This cancer occurs in the “prostate”, a gland associated with the male reproductive system, which is located below the urinary bladder and is helpful in the production of semen. This cancer becomes especially common after the age of 50, but due to lack of awareness and late detection, it can prove fatal.

What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer occurs when cells in the prostate gland begin to grow uncontrollably. In the beginning its symptoms are very minor or not present at all, hence it is also called “silent killer”. As it grows, it can affect the urinary tract, digestive system, and other organs.

Why is it dangerous for men?

1.Slowly growing but severe: Prostate cancer usually grows slowly, but if not treated in time, it can spread to the bones, liver and lymph nodes.

2. Ignoring the symptoms: Symptoms like frequent urination, burning sensation or obstruction while urinating, pain in the back or hips are often ignored by associating them with increasing age or other problems.

3.Delay in investigation: Due to indifference and hesitation regarding health checkup of men in Indian society, timely diagnosis is not possible.

4.Major Symptoms: Frequent urination, especially at night, blood in the urine or semen, difficulty urinating, persistent pain in the hips, back or thighs.

Which men are at greater risk?

People above 50 years of age, those who have a history of prostate cancer in the family, unbalanced eating habits and obesity, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

How to protect?

After the age of 50, every man should get his prostate checked once a year. If someone in the family has had cancer, then this test should be started from the age of 45. Early possibility of cancer can be detected through Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test.