Early Detection Saves Lives: The Importance of Prostate Cancer Screening

Prostate cancer is considered one of the biggest problems in men's health all over the world. It is the second largest cancer type after lung cancer in terms of male cancer incidence in many countries. The growth of prostate cancer mainly involves the production of seminal fluid, and the disease results from growth found among cancer cells in the prostate gland. The disease varies widely in terms of prognosis, depending on the stage when this disease is diagnosed.

As it is known, earlier detection of prostate cancer paves the way for more successful treatment and management. Scientific research and studies revealed one consistent thing, early detection could significantly increase survival, thus pointing to its life-saving potential. The 5-year survival rate of prostate cancer is reported to be around 64% in India. It occurs predominantly in older men, with the maximum cases being over 65 years. However, recent trends indicate increased incidence among younger males living in urban areas, too. Contributing factors towards the increased incidence are obesity, changes in genetics, and poor diet.

Let’s review how early detection reduces prostate cancer risk and helps patients improve cancer outcomes. But first, let’s understand in greater detail what prostate cancer is and its common symptoms.

What Is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer starts within the prostate gland, which is located under the bladder and positioned in front of the rectum. Its function is to produce prostatic fluid that forms part of semen. Unchecked cell division brought on by mutations in the prostate is the cause of this kind of cancer. Its malignant nature causes cancer to spread quickly from the prostate to other parts of the body, like the lymph nodes and bone.

Common Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Often, there are no early symptoms of prostate cancer. Therefore, having a check-up done every once in a while, especially if a person is at risk, becomes very vital. However, some of the most crucial symptoms of prostate cancer include:

• Problems with urination leading to straining during urination.
• It can also lead to a stop in the flow of urine midway during urination. 
• Increased frequency of urination, especially during the night. 
• Painful sensation during urination like burning, even at ejaculation. 
• Hematuria or blood in the urine or semen can be seen.
• As the cancer is more advanced, it will cause some pain in the back, hips, or belly, swelling in the legs or feet, unexplained loss of weight, and extreme tiredness.

It is estimated by the American Cancer Society that in 2023, around 268,490 new cases could be detected, and some 34,500 men may die of this disease. The incidence of occurrence of prostate cancer varies with ethnic groupings, geographical locations, divergences in diagnostic practices, and health service accessibility, besides genetic predisposition. However, death resulting from prostate cancer is rare. This understanding of the nature of the disease and recognition of probable signs and symptoms is necessary as it brings more awareness to patients regarding the possible signs and symptoms of prostate cancer. To help you sum it up, let’s review the importance of early detection of prostate cancer.

The Importance of Early Detection

Since the disease is often limited to the prostate gland, treatment will be simpler if it is discovered early. Additionally, hormone treatment, radiation therapy, and surgery can be used to control it effectively. Such early intervention usually results in fewer complications and side effects from treatment, a lower risk of cancer coming back, and hence reduced treatment-related morbidity and mortality.

Discussion of Early Versus Late Diagnosis with Survival Rates:

Usually, the prediction related to prostate cancer very much varies according to the stage of diagnosis. For example, the American Cancer Society cited that almost all men diagnosed with localised prostate cancer are most likely to survive for five years after being diagnosed. The 5-year survival rate of prostate metastasis is approximately 30%.

Screen Methodologies for Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer screening methodologies include several diagnostic tests. Here are the two most common and effective screening methodologies for prostate cancer.

• Prostate-specific antigen test:  This blood test determines the amount of PSA produced in the prostate tissue from cancerous and non-cancerous tissues. Higher PSA readouts may, therefore, reveal the growth of cancer in the prostate.
   
• Examination of the rectum: The examination of the prostate by a healthcare practitioner who places the finger against the wall of the rectum to detect any hard, irregular patches, which may be indicative of possible malignancy.

Pros of Regular Screening

Routine testing can diagnose prostate cancer before symptoms appear. Numerous case studies highlight patients with successful outcomes from early detection through routine screening. Medical studies often detail surveys of patients who have opted for screening processes and how it has helped them diagnose the condition early and treat it with minimal risks to their health.

How To Provide Practical Tips To Men Worried About The Disease

It is very important to advise men on how to advocate for their health, including seeking advice from their healthcare provider on screening. Men should discuss the risks of a wide range of screening options with their doctors and make decisions based on personal risk factors for the condition. Awareness and knowledge in this aspect will empower men to take control and manage their prostate health proactively.

Treatment

In prostate cancer treatment, the procedure of radical prostatectomy is used most commonly. Radical prostatectomy is the surgical removal of the prostate gland that is malignant. The surgery is performed as a laparoscopic surgery at MASSH, which has lower risks for patients and helps them recover quickly. A radical prostatectomy is one of the most effective treatment options for prostate cancer that has been diagnosed at an early stage.

Even for patients who have advanced forms of cancer, this prostate cancer surgery is effective in removing the cancer-affected parts of the prostate gland. Therapeutic treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other medical treatments are also used alongside surgery to ensure any spread of the cancer cells can be contained.

Various modern therapeutic cancer treatment options allow patients to treat prostate cancer without the need for invasive surgery. You can consult our specialists at MASSH to learn more about these modern treatment options and how they can be helpful for you. At MASSH, you can opt for various treatment options ranging from cryotherapy to robotic surgery for prostate cancer treatment, so connect with us today.

Conclusion

An early diagnosis of prostate cancer requires active participation from the patient’s end to go through screening tests regularly. With the right medical guidance, it is possible to mitigate the risk of prostate cancer and even treat the condition at early stages to help patients recover swiftly. So, if you are over the age of 40 as a man, it is time to take your prostate health seriously. Visit us at MASSH to get your first prostate screening performed and get yourself ahead of preventable conditions to improve your health and well-being. Check out our website to learn more about prostate cancer treatment at MASSH.