World Cancer Day 2026: According to a study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), prostate cancer is the third most common type of cancer in India, after oral and lung cancer.
Doctors explained during the discussion that if prostate cancer is detected early, while it is still confined to the gland, the chances of successful treatment are better.
What is Prostate Cancer?
According to the ICMR-National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research, prostate cancer begins in the cells of the prostate gland. Although the prostate contains several types of cells, the vast majority of prostate cancers develop from glandular cells, called adenocarcinomas. However, other forms of prostate cancer are very rare.
Prostate cancer usually grows very slowly, and many patients do not experience any significant symptoms until the disease reaches an advanced stage. However, once the cancer starts to grow rapidly or spreads outside the prostate, it can be life-threatening.
Early Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Dr. Jitin Yadav, a surgical oncologist at Regency Health Kanpur, explained the early symptoms of prostate cancer that one should be aware of. Frequent urination, especially at night, a weak or interrupted urine stream, and difficulty urinating are some common early symptoms of prostate cancer. “In its early stages, prostate cancer is often asymptomatic because the tumor typically begins in the peripheral zone of the prostate, away from the urinary tract. Consequently, a man may feel perfectly healthy while a localized tumor is present. When symptoms do appear, they are often similar to those of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and include a noticeable weakening of the urinary stream, a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying, or increased frequency of urination, especially at night.”
Dr. Puneet Bansal, Director and Head, Institute of Urology, RG Hospital, Ludhiana, said, “A certain percentage of men experience difficulty urinating or may feel that their bladder is not empty. Unfortunately, these early signs are often ignored and mistaken for age-related problems.”
Individuals experiencing frequent urinary problems are advised to consult a medical professional as soon as possible, as timely evaluation can help in effectively diagnosing the condition.
More concerning signs may include hematuria or hematospermia, that is, the presence of blood in the urine or semen. Deep pain in the pelvic area or lower back should also not be ignored. Dr. Yadav explained, “While these issues are often related to non-cancerous inflammation or enlargement, any new or progressive changes in urinary or sexual function should be evaluated through a formal urological examination.”
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor regarding any medical condition.