Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men, accounting for an estimated 10.5 lakh cases worldwide, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer's (IARC) Global Cancer Observatory.
Prostate cancer occurs when the cells in the prostate gland start to grow uncontrollably, leading to the formation of a tumour. With age, the risk of prostate cancer increases, which is why regular screening is of utmost importance. However, it is also important to note that there are several procedures to undergo when it comes to diagnosing the condition. Relying on just one type of screening method may not be enough.
Also Read: PSA Test For Prostate Cancer Diagnosis: Things Men Need To Know About It
Symptoms That Indicate Prostate Cancer
Detecting prostate cancer can be challenging, given that the condition can be asymptomatic during the early stages. However, in the event of the onset of symptoms, common ailments include:
- Difficulty in urination
- Weak or interrupted urine flow
- Frequent urination
- Feeling that the bladder is not empty
- Pain or discomfort in the pelvic area
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Erectile dysfunction
- Fatigue and weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Swelling in the legs or feet
Why Early Diagnosis Is Key
It is crucial that men over 60 years of age, those with a family history of prostate or breast cancer, and obese individuals get regular screenings for prostate cancer.
Even though you may not be at risk, it is always advisable to get yourself screened for the disease. This is mainly because early diagnosis is key to receiving timely treatment and reducing the risk of advanced prostate cancer.
Advanced prostate cancer, or metastatic prostate cancer, occurs when prostate cancer cells spread from the prostate gland to other parts of the body, most commonly the bones and lymph nodes, explains Dr Samir Gupta, Professor and HOD of Surgical Oncology at Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, suggesting that this can be fatal to many patients.
According to Cancer Research UK, the chance of surviving prostate cancer for 5 years or more depends on the stage:
- For stages 1 and 2, almost all men diagnosed in England between 2013 and 2017 will survive 5 years.
- Stage 3 has a very good survival rate as well, with around 95% surviving 5 years.
- Stage 4 is more serious, but still, half of the men diagnosed will survive 5 years.
Is a Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) Enough To Diagnose Prostate Cancer?
In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Ajay Shah, Managing Director of Neuberg Ajay Shah Laboratory, Mumbai, says that a Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) is a commonly used screening method to assess prostate health, detect abnormalities, and screen for conditions like prostate cancer.
During the physical examination, a healthcare provider inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to look for abnormalities in the prostate gland.
However, a DRE alone isn't sufficient for diagnosing prostate cancer, Dr Shah notes.
According to him, the most accurate way to diagnose prostate cancer involves a combination of tests, including a DRE, Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test, imaging scans (MRI, CT), and prostate biopsy. He says that these tests provide comprehensive information to confirm the presence of cancerous cells and assess disease severity.