Prostate cancer stands as the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men worldwide, following lung cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Alarming projections by the National Cancer Institute estimate that in 2025 alone, there will be 313,780 new cases of prostate cancer—accounting for 15.4% of all new cancer diagnoses in men—and approximately 35,770 deaths, representing 5.8% of all cancer-related fatalities.These figures aren’t just numbers, they’re a wake-up call. They point up the pressing need to raise awareness, enhance early detection, and prioritise treatment strategies for a disease that begins in the prostate—a small but vital gland in the male reproductive system. As the global burden of prostate cancer continues to rise, understanding its implications is no longer optional as it’s essential.
What is prostate cancer?
The prostate is a small but essential gland in the male reproductive system, located just below the bladder and above the pelvic muscles. About the size of a chestnut, it weighs approximately 30 grams and plays a crucial role in producing the fluid that forms a key component of semen.Cancer arises when cells grow uncontrollably, disrupting the body’s normal functioning. Prostate cancer, similarly, develops when cells in the prostate gland begin to multiply in an unregulated and abnormal manner, potentially leading to serious health complications if not detected and treated early.
What is early-stage prostate cancer ?
Staging of cancer Staging describes or classifies a cancer based on how much cancer there is in the body and where it is when first diagnosed. When prostate cancer cells remain confined to the gland itself—or have only slightly extended beyond it without spreading to distant parts of the body—the condition is referred to as localised prostate cancer. However, once the cancer spreads beyond nearby tissues, it progresses into what’s commonly called advanced prostate cancer.Under TNN system given by AJCC (American Joint Committee on Cancer, Prostate cancer is generally classified into four stages by :Early Stage (Stages I & II): The tumor is limited to the prostate and hasn’t spread elsewhere. This is also known as “localized prostate cancer” and is often more responsive to treatment.Locally Advanced (Stage III): The cancer has begun to grow beyond the prostate, invading nearby tissues such as the seminal vesicles, but has not reached distant organs.Advanced or Metastatic (Stage IV): The cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, such as the bones, liver, or lungs. This stage is more challenging to treat and is commonly referred to as advanced prostate cancer.
Symptoms of prostate cancer : Warning signs to watch for
In most cases, prostate cancer does not provide noticeable symptoms in its early stages. But, when signs do appear, they may include:
- Blood in the urine
- Blood in the semen
- Frequent urge to urinate, especially at night
- Pain or burning sensation during urination
- Erectile dysfunction
- Dull, persistent pain in the lower pelvic area
- Loss of appetite
- Painful ejaculation
- Bone pain
- Discomfort or pain in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs
What causes prostate cancer?
The exact cause of prostate cancer remains unknown. While medical professionals haven’t deciphered the exact causes behind the same, several risk factors have been identified by them that may increase the potential of developing prostate cancer.
Major Risk Factors:
Age: Risk of prostate cancer is directly proportional to the age of a man, it rises majorly after age 50. The prostate naturally enlarges with age, increasing vulnerability (American Cancer Society).Family History: According to the American Cancer Society, “Having a father or brother with prostate cancer more than doubles a man’s risk of developing this disease. (The risk is higher for men who have a brother with the disease than for those who have a father with it.) The risk is much higher for men with several affected relatives, particularly if their relatives were young when the cancer was found.” Therefore, a close relative (father, brother, grandfather) with prostate cancer increases one’s risk.Inherited Gene Mutations: BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene (both play an important role in DNA repair) changes, often linked to breast and ovarian cancers, can also raise prostate cancer risk.Obesity: Obese individuals may face more aggressive forms of prostate cancer and a higher chance of recurrence after treatment.Smoking: In the study on Cigarette smoking and prostate cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies published in National Library of Medicine, Data from observational studies suggest that cigarette smoking has an inverse association with prostate cancer incidence. Basically, suggesting that smokers have a higher risk of recurrence of prostate cancer and metastasis.
How is prostate cancer diagnosed
Doctors use the following tests to check for signs of prostate cancer:
- Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test
- Imaging Tests
- Prostate Biopsy
Healthy habits that help prevent prostate cancer
It’s always better to focus on prevention when it comes to your health. Below are a few simple yet effective habits you can add to your daily routine to help reduce the risk of prostate cancer and related complications.
- Healthy Diet
- Physical Exercise
- Quit smoking
- Maintaining a healthy weight
