Tag: prostate cancer

Health

All You Need to Know About Prostate Cancer

Dec 31, 2024 by Rekha Nair 0 Comments #Dr. Bijan Kumar Saha, #prostate cancer

By Dr. Bijan Kumar Saha, Consultant-Surgical Oncology, HCG Panda Cancer Hospital, Cuttack.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential for overall well-being and can significantly influence the risk of various health conditions. Factors such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and weight management play crucial roles in promoting health and preventing chronic diseases. As men age, being mindful of these lifestyle choices becomes increasingly important, as they can impact health outcomes in significant ways.
Prostate cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in men. It arises in the prostate gland, a small, walnut-sized organ located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The prostate produces fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. While many prostate cancers grow slowly and may not cause symptoms for years, some can be aggressive and spread to other parts of the body.

Risk Factors
Understanding the risk factors for prostate cancer can aid in early detection. One significant risk factor is age; the likelihood of developing prostate cancer increases substantially as men age, particularly after the age of 50. Family history also plays a crucial role; men with a family history of prostate cancer, especially in close relatives, face a heightened risk. Dietary choices can influence risk as well; diets that are high in red meat and dairy products may contribute to an increased risk of prostate cancer. Lastly, obesity has been linked to a higher risk of developing the disease, highlighting the importance of maintaining a healthy weight.

Symptoms
In the early stages, prostate cancer often presents no noticeable symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, men may begin to experience various symptoms. Difficulty urinating is common and can manifest as a weak urine stream, frequent urination, or trouble starting and stopping urination. Pain or burning during urination may indicate infection or inflammation. Another concerning symptom is blood in urine or semen, which can be a potential sign of prostate cancer or other medical conditions. Additionally, men may experience pain in the pelvis or back, particularly if the cancer has spread to the bones. Erectile dysfunction is another symptom that can occur if cancer or its treatment affects the nerves controlling erections.

Diagnosis
If you experience any concerning symptoms, it is crucial to consult a doctor for evaluation. Diagnosing prostate cancer usually requires a series of tests. A Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) is often performed, where a healthcare professional conducts a physical examination to check for abnormalities in the prostate. The Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test is another important diagnostic tool; this blood test measures PSA levels, with elevated levels potentially indicating cancer, though other conditions can also cause increased PSA. If initial tests suggest the presence of cancer, a biopsy may be performed to examine tissue samples from the prostate, providing further insight into the diagnosis.

Treatment
Treatment for prostate cancer depends on several factors, including the stage of the disease, its aggressiveness, and the patient’s overall health.

  1. Active Surveillance: Keeping an eye on slow-growing cancers without starting treatment right away.
  2. Surgery: Removing the prostate gland and some surrounding tissues, which is called a radical prostatectomy.
  3. Radiation Therapy: Using high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. This can be done from outside the body or by placing radioactive seeds inside the prostate.
  4. Hormone Therapy: Lowering male hormone levels that can help the cancer grow.
  5. Chemotherapy: Using medication to kill cancer cells throughout the body.

Prognosis
Prostate cancer prognosis varies by stage and aggressiveness. Early-stage cancers typically have a favourable prognosis when detected and treated promptly. Advanced prostate cancer, however, can be more challenging to manage and may result in a poorer outlook.

Prevention
While there’s no surefire way to prevent prostate cancer, certain lifestyle choices may reduce risk. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may help lower risk, while regular exercise is associated with a reduced likelihood of developing cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight can further contribute to lowering the risk of prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is not just a medical condition; it’s a profound challenge that affects not only men but their families and communities. As awareness grows, so too does the urgency for proactive measures—be it through early detection, lifestyle adjustments, or open conversations about health. Men must prioritize their well-being and take charge of their health destinies by understanding their risks and seeking regular screenings. Ignoring the signs or delaying action can lead to devastating consequences. The battle against prostate cancer requires vigilance, knowledge, and courage—qualities that every man should embody as they navigate this critical aspect of their health. By doing so, they not only empower themselves but also contribute to a broader movement of awareness and action, ensuring that prostate cancer does not define their future.

Health

ACI Hospitals creates awareness on prostate cancer with the ‘#FabDad’ in accordance to Father’s Day 2022

Jun 17, 2022 by Agency 0 Comments #ACI Hospitals, #Awareness, #FabDad, #Father’s Day 2022, #prostate cancer

ACI Hospitals, a boutique multi-speciality healthcare centre with an expertise in cardiology and oncology, introduces a father’s day special campaign called ‘#FabDad’ for the month of June. Through this campaign the hospital aims to honour all the fathers across the country who devoted all their lives for our well-being and create awareness on early detection of prostate cancer, its symptoms, about the PSA screening test and the treatment options.

Honouring the spirit of all fathers across the globe, Dr. Jagdeesh Kulkarni, Director, Minimal Invasive & Robotic Surgery said, “Father’s play an important role in strengthening a family’s core morals and values. It is thus crucial that we recognize their emotional and physical wellbeing and put their health first. Our goal with this campaign is to raise awareness on prostate cancer prevalent in men which may impact their day to day lives. It is important to understand that, the most common risk factor for prostate cancer is age. The older a man gets, the greater the chance of getting prostate cancer. Hence early diagnosis will not only aid in an efficient recovery but also the holistic welfare of the family. We encourage all fathers and men in general to get regular medical check-ups and screenings done.”

According to reports, one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, making it the second leading cause of cancer death. Hence it’s time we create awareness about this condition and spearhead discussions for the same as prostate cancer is dangerous and often easily overlooked. As part of the campaign, ACI Hospitals will be offering special discounted Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test for all fathers throughout this month. This will be followed by expert consultation by one of the best doctors at ACI who are specialists in Prostate Cancer.

The ACI Hospital located in the heart of Mumbai city has consistently delivered state-of-the-art health care in the field of surgical & medical oncology and palliative care and many other disciplines. Additionally, ACI hospitals offer excellent laboratory, radiology and endoscopy services plus cutting edge operative procedures in all fields including robotic surgery. The hospital is proud of its ability to offer emergency care including intensive care unit equipped with state-of-the-art equipment.

The Centre is a referral point for world class Cancer care for national and international patients which is delivered at an affordable cost without compromising on the delivery of clinical outcomes.