Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death among men worldwide. This deadly cancer develops in the prostate – a small walnut-sized gland located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. According to experts, prostate cancer is a serious disease; However, most people with this cancer are diagnosed before it has spread beyond their glands.

According to doctors, due to social stigma regarding men’s health issues, discussion on this topic remains limited. Dr Rahul Gupta, Senior Consultant – Urology and Head – Renal Transplant, Sarvodaya Hospital, told The Times, “Reluctance to speak openly about prostate health and cancer symptoms often prevents men from seeking early diagnosis and treatment, which can lead to successful are critical to the results.” Now.

“Raising awareness of prostate cancer is essential to breaking down these barriers and encouraging men to prioritize their health,” he said.

What is the reason for social stigma regarding prostate cancer?,

Dr. Gupta says that one of the major factors contributing to this silence is the fear of insecurity. “Many men feel that admitting to health problems, especially those related to the reproductive organs, can make them look weak. This stigma can lead to a delay in diagnosis, with some men only seeking medical help when the disease reaches a more advanced and difficult-to-treat stage,” he said.

Doctors say the Prostate Cancer Awareness Initiative is helping to change this narrative by educating men about the importance of regular checkups and the signs to look out for, such as difficulty urinating or a frequent urge to urinate, especially at night. Plays an important role.

It is also important to emphasize that prostate cancer is treatable when detected early and this can empower men to seek help without shame or hesitation.

Breaking the silence around prostate cancer not only saves lives but also reinforces the message that men’s health matters. “Prostate cancer awareness is not just a campaign; It’s a movement toward a healthier, more open approach to men’s health,” he said.

prostate cancer screening

Prostate cancer screening includes a prostate-specific antigen or PSA test and a digital rectal examination. “But men feel uncomfortable talking about them,” said Dr Mohit Saxena, consultant and HOD Medical Oncology, Manipal Hospital.

“Despite the availability of effective treatments, many men develop prostate cancer due to late detection, lack of screening, cultural stigma, limited access to health care, and misconceptions about treatment, as many fear side effects of treatment. Like fear of impotence or incontinence. This silence must be broken,” he said.

Some ways to break the social stigma associated with prostate cancer include:

• Don’t be afraid to ask questions; ask for help
• Find a safe place to share; Contact a doctor, friend or family member who can maintain confidentiality and refer the patient to a specialist to get the right help;
• Adopt a healthy lifestyle; Exercise regularly; stop smoking
• If there is a family history of prostate cancer, get your PSA checked before the age of 40 or 50. Having this disease in its early stages always increases your chances of survival.

What is Symptoms and signs of prostate cancer To be taken seriously?

Although early-stage prostate cancer rarely causes symptoms, some symptoms you may notice include:

• Frequent, sometimes urgent, need to urinate, especially at night
• weak urine flow or flow that starts and stops
• pain or burning when urinating
• loss of bladder control
• loss of bowel control
• painful ejaculation and erectile dysfunction
• blood in semen or urine
• pain in your lower back, hip, or chest

Get the latest news live on Times Now with breaking news and top headlines from around the world.