BY: Dr. Deepak RaghavanHYDERABAD/CHENNAI: Prostate cancer, one of the top cancers affecting Indian men, is increasingly being diagnosed at an earlier age, making timely screening and advanced treatment options more important than ever, according to urologists.Dr. Deepak Raghavan, Senior Consultant, Urology, Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road, Chennai, said while prostate cancer is most common in men over 50, cases are now being seen even among those aged 35-55. He attributed the rising burden to a combination of lifestyle, environmental and genetic factors, while highlighting that delayed diagnosis remains a major concern due to low awareness and the stigma surrounding men’s health.The disease is often called a “silent” cancer because it usually does not cause symptoms in its early stages. Common urinary complaints such as difficulty in passing urine, a weak urine stream or frequent urination at night are often mistaken as normal signs of ageing. More serious warning signs include blood in urine or semen, persistent bone pain and unexplained weight loss.Doctors recommend annual prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening for men above 45 years, with earlier screening for those with a family history of prostate cancer. An abnormal PSA level is usually followed by further evaluation using imaging tests such as MRI, ultrasound or a biopsy. Early diagnosis significantly improves treatment outcomes and reduces the risk of the cancer spreading to the bones or affecting kidney function.Dr. Raghavan said robotic-assisted surgery has transformed prostate cancer treatment by allowing surgeons to perform minimally invasive procedures with greater precision. Compared to conventional open surgery, robotic surgery involves smaller incisions, reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery. It also enables nerve-sparing procedures in suitable patients, helping preserve urinary continence and sexual function after surgery.He cited the example of a 73-year-old patient who underwent robotic prostate surgery after early detection and was able to walk within six hours of the operation and was discharged within 36 hours.Apollo Hospitals has also been conducting awareness campaigns and workplace screening programmes to encourage men to undergo regular PSA testing. Experts stress that early detection remains the most effective way to ensure prostate cancer is treated successfully and encourage men over 45 not to delay routine health checks.(The writer is Senior Consultant, Department of Urology, Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road, Chennai)
