What Is Prostate Cancer?
Former US President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer, drawing global attention to the disease, its symptoms, and treatment options.
- Prostate cancer arises in the prostate gland, a small organ in men that produces seminal fluid.
- It is one of the most common cancers in men, particularly after age 50.
- Prostate cancer is the 2nd most diagnosed cancer in men with over 1.4 million new cases and nearly 400,000 deaths in 2022 (GLOBOCAN).
- India: It ranks among the top 10 cancers in men, with 37,948 new cases and 18,386 deaths in 2022, and rising incidence in urban areas.
- Symptoms of Prostate Cancer:
- Frequent or painful urination: Indicates urinary tract irritation due to prostate enlargement or tumor pressure.
- Weak urine flow or dribbling: Caused by blockage in the urethra due to prostate gland swelling.
- Erectile dysfunction: Tumor or treatment may impair nerves or blood vessels linked to erection.
- Blood in urine or semen: A sign of inflammation, prostate damage, or tumor-related bleeding.
- Bone pain (in advanced stages): Metastatic cancer often spreads to bones, causing persistent pain.
