Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer and the sixth leading cause of death among men worldwide. Although the statistics of the past few decades have shown that Asian men are less common compared to Africans. African-American and Caucasian, but the trend is definitely on the rise.
Significant advances have been made in prostrate cancer treatment over the past two decades. with the development of new drugs (cytotoxic drugs and androgens In addition, adjustments in surgery and radiation aim to achieve higher cancer cure and control rates with lower rates of complications and long-term morbidity. go down
Despite these advances But there are still many misconceptions about prostate cancer. A better understanding can help alleviate fears about this disease.
Here are some misconceptions. About prostate cancer and the facts we need to know.
Myth 1: I don’t have prostate cancer because I don’t have any symptoms.
Early detection of prostate cancer can be difficult. Most prostate cancer patients are asymptomatic in the early stages. and will only have symptoms in an advanced stage Subjects who were completely asymptomatic had complications such as fractures due to metastatic cancer. Therefore, it should be assessed based on risk factors such as positive family history, diabetes, obesity, etc.
Myth 2: Screening is not necessary. This is because prostate cancer is less common in India.
Prostate cancer screening is done by routinely checking serum PSA levels in asymptomatic volunteers. Although many urologists question this practice. But it is widely used in western countries. And it may become relevant in recent years. As the incidence of PCa in our country increases. Screening tests give us the opportunity to diagnose disease early and provide treatment with reduced morbidity.
Myth 3: A high PSA is definitely due to prostate cancer.
PSA or Prostate-Specific Antigen is specific for benign prostatic hyperplasia. But not for cancer. Elevated PSA levels are not unique to this type of cancer. but also found in prostatitis Prostate abscess a benign enlargement of the prostate gland and acute urinary retention.
Myth 4: Cancer Risk Is Higher in a Larger Prostate
Benign prostatic hyperplasia, which is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, is more common than prostate cancer. There is no definite relationship between the size of the gland and the risk of cancer. In fact Most prostate enlargements are harmless.
Myth 5: Prostate cancer treatment is complex and involves permanent disability and suffering.
Great progress has been made in the treatment of this disease. This causes the morbidity rate to decrease both from disease and treatment. Cancer-specific survival has also been improved. Therefore, treatment should be considered.
Myth 6: I read that prostate cancer is mild and doesn’t need treatment.
In India, the majority of prostate cancer patients (more than 75 percent) are diagnosed at an advanced stage After the cancer has spread outside the prostate gland Advanced cancer can lead to complications such as broken bones, kidney failure, and swollen limbs, so it is critical to treat prostate cancer at diagnosis regardless of stage. when the disease spreads to the prostate
Myth 7: Treating metastatic cancer is useless. This is because most men die soon regardless of treatment.
Prostate cancer is not like other cancers. Even though it’s in an advanced stage. But it responds well to multiple treatments. with a significant survival rate With the latest advances in hormone therapy. Quality of life even in advanced prostate cancer can be good. Therefore, treatment should be offered even in advanced prostate cancer.
