The primary risk factor is an age of above 60 years, as the 60% cases are found in persons aged above 65 years, and the average diagnosis age is 66.

For many males, there could be no symptoms, this is why screening is important. The symptoms commonly found are:

• Frequent urgency of urination
• Pain during urination
• Weak or disrupting urination
• Trouble in having an erection
• Painful ejaculation
• Blood in the urine

Both blood tests and physical examination are required in diagnosing prostate cancer. A test Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test measures PSA levels in the blood. It is a protein produced by the prostate, its high level in blood may indicate prostate cancer.

Physical examination includes digital rectal examination (DRE), in which a doctor inserts a finger into the rectum to feel the prostate gland. A lump in it can indicate prostate cancer.

The treatment of prostate cancer depends upon its stages:

In stage 1: No symptoms are in stage 1 as the cancer is in the only prostate. “Active Surveillance” is to monitor cancer.

In stage 2: Cancer is still in the prostate but is larger and PSA levels get an increase. Active surveillance along with the removal of prostate & surrounding tissue, radiation therapy are treatment options.

In stage 3: Cancer grows outside the prostate but doesn’t spread. The treatment includes radiation therapy,

In stage 4: Cancer spreads to nearby tissues and lymph nodes. Stage 4 cancers are treatable with all other methods of previous stages.

Prostate cancer survival rates have improved by a good extent over the years. Today, the number of deaths is approx. 24 per 100,000 cases, while it was 39 per 100,000 patients in the years 1991-1994.

After reaching the age of 50, you should start a routine for prostate cancer.

If you are facing prostate cancer you should consult an oncologist. Oncologists are experts in treating such cancers.

The Multi-disciplinary team (MDT) is a team of healthcare professionals with the necessary skills to diagnose and treat patients with cancers like leukemia, lymphoma.