Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers found in the aging male population. In India as well, it remains among the most frequently diagnosed cancers. The major concern with prostate cancer—just like many other cancers—is that it typically does not show symptoms in its early stages. There are no specific signs or symptoms that can be directly attributed to prostate cancer.

Often, by the time the tumour becomes symptomatic, it has already metastasized—meaning it has spread to other parts of the body. Only then do patients begin to experience noticeable symptoms, prompting them to consult a doctor. Unfortunately, by this point, the disease is usually in an advanced stage. This is reportedly what happened in the case of Mr. Joe Biden as well.

In the United States, the screening for prostate cancer has been removed from the national prostate cancer management program. We are now witnessing the consequences of this decision. The issue is that without routine screening, early-stage prostate cancer cases go undetected—cases that could have been successfully treated if caught in time.

By the time patients develop symptoms, the cancer is often already in an advanced stage, as was reportedly the case with Mr. Biden. This highlights the critical importance of screening—not just for prostate cancer but for all types of cancer. Detecting the disease early significantly improves treatment outcomes and patient survival.

So, how is prostate cancer screened?

The primary method is a PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) blood test. The current recommendation is that all men above the age of 40 should discuss prostate cancer screening with their doctor and undergo PSA testing annually.

If PSA levels are below 4 ng/mL and the patient has no significant symptoms, annual monitoring is typically sufficient. However, if PSA levels begin to rise, or if a digital rectal exam reveals an abnormal prostate, further investigation is required. This usually includes an MRI, followed by a biopsy and a PSMA (Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen) scan to confirm the diagnosis and determine the cancer’s stage.

Screening for prostate cancer is extremely important. When detected early, prostate cancer can be effectively treated, as it is generally a slow-growing disease. Early intervention leads to excellent outcomes—improved survival rates, better quality of life, and more effective cancer control.

Source: Times of India.