Understanding Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men globally. Early detection and appropriate treatment can lead to excellent outcomes. This blog provides an easy-to-understand overview of prostate cancer, its prevalence in India, signs and symptoms, causes, risk factors, prevention strategies, diagnostic methods, and treatment options, with a special focus on robotic surgical management.

1. Prevalence of Prostate Cancer in India:

• Second most common cancer among Indian men after lung cancer.

• Accounts for about 10% of all male cancers in urban India.

• Incidence increasing due to longer life expectancy, better diagnostic facilities, and lifestyle changes.

• Higher prevalence in metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata.

• Typically diagnosed in men aged 65 years and older but can occur earlier.

2. Signs and Symptoms of Prostate Cancer:

Often asymptomatic in early stages.

When symptoms occur, they may include:

• Urinary issues: difficulty starting urination, weak stream, frequent urination (especially at night).

• Blood in urine or semen.

• Erectile dysfunction.

• Discomfort in the pelvic area.

• Bone pain, if cancer has spread to bones.

3. Causes (Aetiology) of Prostate Cancer:

Exact cause is unknown, but factors include:

• Genetic mutations in prostate cells.

• Hormonal changes, particularly involving testosterone.

• Chronic inflammation of the prostate.

4. Risk Factors:

• Age: Risk increases significantly after 50 years.

• Family history: Having a father or brother with prostate cancer doubles the risk.

• Ethnicity: Higher rates in African and Caribbean populations; in India, urban areas show higher incidence.

• Diet: High intake of red meat and dairy products may increase risk.

• Obesity: Linked to aggressive prostate cancer.

• Lifestyle factors: Lack of physical activity and smoking.

5. Prevention Strategies:

While prostate cancer cannot always be prevented, certain lifestyle changes may reduce the risk:

• Healthy diet:

• Rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

• Limit red meat and high-fat dairy products.

• Regular exercise: Helps maintain a healthy weight.

• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake.

• Regular screening: Especially for high-risk individuals after age 50 (or 45 if there’s a family history).

6. Diagnostic Tests for Prostate Cancer:

• Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test:

• Measures PSA levels in the blood; high levels may indicate cancer.

• Digital Rectal Examination (DRE):

• Doctor feels for lumps or abnormalities in the prostate.

• MRI and Ultrasound:

• Help visualize the prostate and detect abnormalities.

• Prostate Biopsy:

• Definitive diagnosis via tissue sampling.

• Bone Scan, CT, and PET scans:

• For checking if cancer has spread (metastasized).

7. Medical and Surgical Management:

A. Medical Management

• Active Surveillance: For low-risk, slow-growing cancers; regular monitoring.

• Hormone Therapy:

• Reduces testosterone levels to slow cancer growth.

• Chemotherapy:

• Used in advanced stages when cancer has spread.

• Radiation Therapy:

• Targets and destroys cancer cells.

B. Surgical Management

• Radical Prostatectomy:

• Complete removal of the prostate gland.

• Traditionally done through open surgery or laparoscopic surgery.

C. Robotic-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy (RARP):

• Gold standard for prostate cancer surgery in many leading centers.

• Da Vinci Robotic System commonly used.

• Advantages:

• Greater precision: Robotic arms allow for delicate movements.

• Minimally invasive: Smaller incisions, less pain, and quicker recovery.

• Reduced blood loss and lower risk of infection.

• Better preservation of urinary and sexual function.

• Shorter hospital stay and faster return to normal activities.

8. Why Robotic Surgery is the Future:

• Enhanced visualization: 3D magnified view for surgeons.

• Tremor filtration: Surgeon’s hand tremors are eliminated.

• Patient outcomes:

• Lower rates of incontinence and erectile dysfunction.

• Higher cancer control rates with precise removal of affected tissues.

9. Living with Prostate Cancer: Support and Care:

• Regular follow-up is essential after treatment.

• Lifestyle adjustments for optimal recovery.

• Support groups and counseling help patients and families cope.

• Advances in treatment, especially robotic surgery, offer hope for a high quality of life after prostate cancer.

10. Conclusion:

Prostate cancer, when detected early, is highly treatable. With growing awareness, advancements in diagnostic techniques, and cutting-edge surgical options like robotic-assisted surgery, outcomes are better than ever. If you or a loved one falls into a high-risk category, don’t delay screening—early detection saves lives