Prostate Cancer Treatment IN INDIA

Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that arises in the prostate gland. The prostate is a tiny gland in boys and men, about the size of a small nut. The prostate is situated below the bladder, which is the hollow organ responsible for storing urine, and it is positioned in front of the rectum, which is the final part of the intestines.

Let’s explore prostate cancer in detail, including the associated treatment options and their costs.

The prostate gland plays a vital role in the male reproductive system by producing seminal fluid, which nourishes and helps transport sperm during ejaculation.

Positioned around the urethra—a tube responsible for expelling both urine and semen—the prostate’s location is crucial. Any issues affecting the prostate can lead to disruptions in both urinary and sexual functions in men.

Prostate Cancer Overview

Prostate cancer develops when certain prostate cells grow uncontrollably, forming a mass or tumor. Some cases progress slowly and pose minimal risk, while others are aggressive, potentially spreading to other parts of the body and causing significant health concerns.

Key Statistics

• Prevalence: Prostate cancer ranks among the top ten cancers affecting men in India, accounting for 5-7% of all male cancer cases (National Cancer Registry).
• Incidence Rate: Approximately 9-10 cases per 100,000 men. The incidence is expected to increase with improved diagnostics and longer life expectancy.
• Age Factor: Primarily affects men over 50, with most diagnoses in those over 65.
• Geographical Variation: Urban areas report higher rates than rural areas, likely due to lifestyle factors and easier access to healthcare. Major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai have higher case counts.
• Mortality Rate: Although the mortality rate is lower compared to other cancers, prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death among older men due to late diagnosis and limited access to advanced treatment.
• Survival Rate: Early detection offers a 5-year survival rate of over 90%, while advanced cases see rates around 30-40%, heavily depending on the stage at diagnosis.

Risk Factors

• Age: The strongest risk factor, with risk increasing with age.
• Family History: Men with a family history of prostate cancer have higher risk.
• Lifestyle: Sedentary habits, high-fat diets, and obesity contribute to risk.
• Genetic Factors: Certain mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, increase the likelihood of aggressive prostate cancer.

Types of Prostate Cancer

1. Adenocarcinoma (Most Common): Arises in prostate gland cells that produce sperm-nourishing fluid. Generally slow-growing and treatable with regular monitoring.

Rare Types: These include small cell carcinoma, transitional cell carcinoma, neuroendocrine tumors, and sarcomas, often requiring different treatment approaches.

What are the costs of Prostate Cancer Treatment in India?

Costs vary based on treatment type, hospital, and city. Below is an overview of typical costs across metropolitan areas, though actual expenses may vary based on the facility, specialist expertise, and patient needs.

Prostate Cancer Treatment Costs by City

How long is the stay period in India and at the hospital for Prostate Cancer Surgery?

For prostate cancer surgery, patients typically stay in the hospital for about 3-5 days post-surgery, depending on their recovery progress and the type of procedure performed (such as open surgery, laparoscopic, or robotic-assisted surgery). After discharge, patients are usually advised to stay in India for another 1-2 weeks for follow-up appointments and to monitor for any early post-operative complications, such as infection or urinary issues.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer often has no symptoms in early stages. As it progresses, men may experience:

• Changes in Urination: Frequent urination, particularly at night, difficulty starting or stopping urination, weak flow, or pain during urination.

Other Symptoms: Unexplained weight loss, fatigue, constipation or diarrhea, blood in urine or semen, painful ejaculation, and erectile dysfunction.

What will be the Pre-Procedure for Prostate cancer treatment?

Regular screenings are critical as prostate cancer may be asymptomatic early on.

• Screening:
  • Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): A doctor checks the prostate for irregularities or lumps.
  • PSA Test: Measures prostate-specific antigen levels, with higher levels indicating potential cancer.
• Confirmatory Tests:
  • Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS): Produces prostate images for analysis.
  • Prostate Biopsy: Tissue samples confirm the presence of cancer.
  • Imaging Tests: Determine the cancer stage and spread.

Gleason Score: Rates cancer aggression on a scale of 6-10, guiding treatment options.

What are the available Prostate Cancer Treatment Options in India?

Treatment plans are tailored based on patient health, cancer spread, and progression. Early-detected prostate cancer is often treatable and even curable.

• Active Surveillance: Doctors monitor cancer through regular check-ups, PSA tests, and physical exams.
• Surgery (Radical Prostatectomy): Involves removing the prostate gland and nearby tissues.
  • Types:
    • Open Surgery: Involves a larger incision.
    • Laparoscopic Surgery: Minimally invasive with smaller incisions and camera guidance.
    • Robotic-Assisted Surgery: Precision-driven, aiming to preserve urinary and sexual function.
• Radiation Therapy: Uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
  • External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): Non-invasive, delivered over multiple sessions.
  • Brachytherapy: Places radioactive seeds near the prostate.
• Hormone Therapy: Reduces androgen production to slow cancer growth.
• Chemotherapy: Targets advanced cancer cells with potent drugs.
• Immunotherapy: Stimulates the immune system to fight cancer.

Targeted Therapy: Attacks specific cancer genes or proteins for improved outcomes.

What will recovery be like after prostate cancer treatment?

Recovery after prostate cancer therapy is a complicated process that includes physical healing, emotional endurance, and lifestyle changes.

Patients should seek support from healthcare providers, and loved ones, and must have a positive mindset. If you do the following, you can lower your risk of prostate cancer:

• Eat a healthy diet, high in fruits and vegetables.
• Choose natural foods over supplements.
• Exercise regularly throughout the week.
• Keep your weight in check.

Prostate cancer poses significant health risks for men as they age. Recognizing prostate cancer signs and symptoms is equally important.

Early-stage prostate cancer rarely causes symptoms. As the condition advances, the following problems may arise:

• Changes in Urination:

• Urination regularly, especially at night
• Having trouble starting or stopping urination
• Insufficient or weak urine flow
• pain or discomfort during urination

• Unexplained Weight Loss
• Fatigue and weakness
• Bowel Changes(constipation or diarrhea)
• Blood in urine
• Blood in semen
• Painful ejaculation

Erectile Dysfunction: Inability to obtain or sustain an erection for sexual activity; a prevalent problem affecting men’s sexual health and performance.

More Info About Prostate Cancer Treatment

What is the success rate of Prostate Cancer Surgery?

The success rate of prostate cancer surgery, often measured by cancer-free survival rates, is generally high, especially if the cancer is detected and treated in its early stages. For localized prostate cancer, surgery success rates can exceed 90%, with many patients achieving long-term remission or cure. The success rate varies depending on factors such as the stage of the cancer at the time of surgery, the patient’s overall health, and the expertise of the surgical team.