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Prostate Cancer: Prostate cancer has become the second most common cancer among Indian men. According to doctors, the challenge is not only the increasing cases of prostate cancer, but the delay in identifying the disease is also a big concern. In Western countries, prostate cancer is detected at an early stage through routine screening, but in India, many patients approach the doctor when the cancer has spread beyond the prostate. In such cases, cancer can reach the bones and spinal cord, increasing the risk of serious neurological problems.

Awareness increased, but patients are still arriving late for treatment
“Earlier, most of the prostate cancer patients used to come from big cities, but now a large number of patients are coming from small towns also. This is a sign of increasing awareness, but many men still come for treatment after the disease has progressed significantly.

These other problems can occur due to prostate cancer
Dr. Ashwin Malaya says that, when prostate cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it can often affect the spine. This can cause serious symptoms like back pain, weakness in legs, trouble walking, numbness or tingling, and loss of control over urination or stool. These symptoms may indicate spinal cord compression, which is a medical emergency.

Which signs should not be ignored?
Doctors say that frequent urination problems, bone pain or chronic back pain should not be ignored. If there is a family history of prostate cancer, earlier testing may be needed. Timely screening is the most effective way to avoid neurological damage from prostate cancer.

What tests should be done for early detection of prostate cancer?
According to Dr. Ashwin Malaya, prostate cancer can be treated very effectively if detected in its early stages. He said that prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test plays an important role in the early detection of prostate cancer. If PSA levels are abnormal or cancer is suspected during testing, tests such as multi-parametric MRI and MRI-TRUS fusion biopsy are taken. These tests help in identifying the disease accurately. Dr Malaya said despite increased awareness, about 50 per cent of prostate cancer patients are already in stage 4. In this stage the disease can be controlled, but it is not possible to cure it completely.