Priyanka Tiwari
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Suspense crime, Digital Desk : The recent announcement of prostate cancer in former US President Joe Biden has once again sparked interest towards this ailment as well as concern around men health problems. This also brings to focus the fact that, in most cases, this type of cancer is manageable, especially if detected in the early stages.
“Everyone is trying to raise awareness but to raise it in an outright scary manner is uncalled for,” says Dr Raman Narang, Senior Consultant Medical and Hematology-Oncologist at Andromeda Cancer Hospital, Sonipat. He tries to put it into context by explaining how cumbersome sounding it can be. However, modern medicine has improved outcomes for patients.
A Common but Manageable Condition
With ever increasing life expectancy in the country, prostate cancer has become the second most common type of cancer diagnosed in males accounting for 50% of the patients. PC does tend to have a genetic disposition so clusters can sometimes be witnessed. It does tend to strike people after the age of 50. Dr. Narang tells us that a lot of them do survive and most of them don't undergo aggressive therapy. “Most men with this diagnosis enjoy life without the necessity of intervention,” he says.
Even though the prostate gland is small in size, it can grow very slowly and symptomatically for many years, making it very hard to detect. This is exactly why prostate cancer screening needs to be conducted on a regular basis. “Standard PSA blood work and physical exams alongside provide breast and rectal checks enable earlier diagnosis,” says Dr Narang.
The Significance of Timely Action
According to Dr. Venkata Boppana B, a Consultant Urologist at Narayana Healh in Kolkota, timely intervention has increased the chances of survival. He states, “Better choice outcomes and treatment options are available when detected early.” He emphasizes the need for a healthy lifestyle, including eating well, exercising, limiting alcohol intake, and managing stress for better prostate health.
Reasons Not To Worry:
More Options With Early Diagnosis:
PSA testing and DRE often identify the presence of prostate cancer before it metastasizes. Each case is unique, and treatment options that range from active surveillance, surgery, or radiation may be warranted.
Cancers progress in the slowest manner:
Unlike aggressive variants of cancer, prostate cancer can be considered a slow burner. The vast majority of men are unlikely to ever face symptoms, let alone require any form of complex treatments.
Forthcoming treatments have rated unprecedented results:
Even in advanced stages of cancer, therapies like hormonal treatment, immunotherapy, and targeted medications have drastically enhanced treatment. These assist in maintaining the quality of life and treating the condition effectively.
There’s a stronger recovery rate than ever before:
The prostate cancer survival rate has recently dramatically improved with more than 99% for localized stages. Even in advanced stages, men are expected to live well due to the increased recovery rate.
Monitoring patient conditions can help in avoiding overtreatment.
A doctor's active surveillance through periodic check-ups minimizes side effects while ensuring the patient is safe by watching for changes.
