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How and why to monitor prostate health regularly

What is the Prostate gland ??

The prostate is a small, walnut-shaped gland in the male reproductive system, located below the bladder and in front of the rectum 

    • Location: The prostate sits below the bladder and in front of the rectum. 

    • Function: It produces a fluid that contributes to semen, which helps nourish sperm and aids in fertilization. 

    • Urethra: The urethra, the tube through which urine and semen exit the body, passes through the center of the prostate. 

    • Enlargement: The prostate enlargement, also known as “Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)”, can cause urinary problems. 

    • Prostate Cancer: Prostate cancer is a serious disease that can develop in the prostate gland. 

The two main problems that are related to the prostate are “Prostate Cancer” and “Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)” and are very common in men aged 50 years and above.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a growth of cells that starts in the prostate. Treatment options. include surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy or carefully monitoring the prostate cancer. Even when a cure isn’t possible, treatments can slow the growth of the cancer and help you live longer.

Symptoms

Early-stage prostate cancer signs and symptoms can include:

    • Blood in the urine, which might make the urine look pink or red

    • Blood in the semen.

    • Needing to urinate more often.

    • Trouble getting started when trying to urinate.

    • Waking up to urinate more often at night.

Signs and symptoms of advanced prostate cancer can include:

    • Accidental leaking of urine.

    • Back pain, Bone pain.

    • Difficulty getting an erection, called erectile dysfunction.

    • Feeling very tired. Weakness in the arms or legs.

    • Losing weight without trying.

Causes

It’s often not clear what causes prostate cancer.

Risk factors

 

    • Older age. The risk of prostate cancer goes up especially after age 50.

    • Family history of prostate cancer. Family history of prostate cancer is a high risk. This includes your grandparents and your parents’ siblings.

    • Obesity. In people with obesity, prostate cancer is more likely to grow quickly and more likely to come back after treatment.

    • Smoking tobacco. Some research shows a link between smoking and prostate cancer. But not all studies agree. People with prostate cancer who smoke may have a higher risk of the cancer coming back.

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Complications

Complications of prostate cancer and its treatments include:

    • Cancer that spreads. Prostate cancer can spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones or other organs.

    • Incontinence. Prostate cancer and its treatment can cause leaking of urine, also called urinary incontinence

    • Erectile dysfunction. Difficulty getting an erection is called erectile dysfunction. It can be caused by prostate cancer or its treatment.

Prevention

No sure way to prevent prostate cancer but you can help reduce your risk if you:

    • Choose a healthy diet. Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

    • Exercise most days of the week. May not prevent prostate cancer but it may help you maintain a healthy weight.

    • Don’t smoke. If you smoke, talk with a healthcare professional about what might help you quit. .

    • Medicines to lower the risk of prostate cancer. If you have a high risk of prostate cancer, you and your healthcare professional may consider medicines to lower the risk. 

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Prostate cancer detection 

Typically involves a PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) blood test, a digital rectal exam (DRE), and potentially a prostate biopsy if abnormalities are detected. MRI or ultrasound may also be used to guide biopsies. 

1. Screening Tests:

    • Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test:

This blood test measures the level of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate gland, in the blood. Elevated PSA levels can indicate prostate cancer, but can also be caused by other conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatitis. 

    • Digital Rectal Exam (DRE):

During a DRE, a doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel the prostate gland for any abnormalities, such as lumps or enlargement. 

      • MRI of the prostate: MRI can be used to help visualize the prostate and surrounding tissues, and can be used to guide biopsies. Other Screening Tests:
        • Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS): TRUS uses sound waves to create images of the prostate, and can be used to guide biopsies. 

2. Diagnostic Tests:

    • Prostate Biopsy: If the PSA test or DRE results are concerning, a prostate biopsy is usually performed to obtain tissue samples for examination under a microscope.
        • MRI-Targeted Biopsy: In some cases, MRI images are used to target specific areas of the prostate for biopsy. 

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Overview

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is also called an enlarged prostate. The prostate is a small gland and it often gets bigger as you get older.

An enlarged prostate can cause symptoms that may bother you, such as blocking the flow of urine out of the bladder. It also can cause bladder, urinary tract or kidney problems.

Many treatments can help BPH. These include medicines, surgery and other procedures.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of BPH include:

    • Frequent or urgent need to pee, also called urination.

    • Peeing more often at night.

    • Trouble starting to pee.

    • Weak urine stream, or a stream that stops and starts.

    • Dribbling at the end of urination.

    • Not being able to fully empty the bladder.

Other possible causes of urinary symptoms

Some other health problems can lead to symptoms that are like those caused by enlarged prostate. These include:

    • Urinary tract infection.

    • Inflamed prostate.

    • Narrowing of the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body.

    • Scarring in the bladder neck due to past surgery.

    • Bladder or kidney stones.

    • Problems with nerves that control the bladder.

    • Cancer of the prostate or bladder.

Some medicines also may lead to symptoms that seem like those caused by BPH. These include:

    • Powerful pain-relieving medicines called opioids.

    • Cold and allergy medicines.

    • Older medicines for depression called tricyclic antidepressants.

When to see a doctor

Talk to your health care provider about your symptoms, even if they don’t bother you. It’s important to find out if there are any causes that could be treated. Without treatment, the risk of a dangerous blockage of the urinary tract can rise. If you can’t pass any urine, get medical help right away.

Prostate cancer and BPH are highly curable. Early diagnosis is the key. Annual PSA Test is highly recommended for men above 50 years age. A very proven method of early diagnosis. It is cheap, painless, simple and easy to conduct this test.

All the very best and stay healthy!

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Jannet Maria Jibu is an MSW graduate in Clinical and Community Practice from Christ University, Bangalore, with a background in Psychology from Delhi University.

Jannet interned at leading hospitals and NGOs, working across mental health, disability support, and women’s rights.

Her passion lies in community upliftment and inclusive care. Jannet brings empathy, initiative, and leadership to every project she takes up.

 

Dr. Pavithra is an Ayurveda physician holding a BAMS degree from Ramakrishna Ayurveda Medical College, Bangalore. She also has an additional certification, a PG Diploma in clinical research.

With a strong foundation in Ayurvedic medicine and clinical research, Dr. Pavithra brings a unique blend of traditional and evidence-based approaches to healthcare.

Dr. Pavithra specializes in providing adjuvant care, supportive, palliative, end-of-life care, and post-cancer survivorship, contributing to holistic cancer care through Ayurveda.

Dr. Pavan Kumar. H (BDS) graduated in 2024, worked as a consultant Dentist in Ballari, Karnataka, and worked as an Associate Dentist at Swaraj Dental Clinic in Bangalore. He is presently working as a project consultant for TCC at ICS Bangalore.

 

Dr. Pavan believes in working as a team to reach greater heights. He believes in the core values of positive attitude, optimism and self-respect. He is interested in reading digital medical journals and spending time by researching innovations in digital dentistry.

Dr. Swathi D Acharya, holds a BAMS degree and currently serves as Programme Coordinator at Indian Cancer Society, Bangalore.

With over 5 years of experience in the medical field, her career included roles such as Medical Officer at Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail Bangalore, Duty Medical Officer at Pragathi Multi-speciality Hospital Mangalore and RBSK Medical Officer at NRHM Mangalore. Dr. Swathi enjoys drawing and reading books, which complement her passion for holistic well-being. 

I am a native of Kalaburagi, with an MSW completed in 2022 and an HRM in 2024. Post graduation, I gained valuable experience working with an NGO dedicated to orphan rehabilitation and have explored various other sectors. 

Driven by a passion for public service, I found the ideal platform at ICS, where I joined as a Medical Social Worker in May 2024 to contribute to public health. In my free time, I enjoy reading magazines, newspapers, and listening to music for relaxation.

Shrinidhi N. Naikal is an alumnus of Nutan Vidyalaya Commerce College, Kalaburagi. He has served as a Senior Coordinator in the magazine section of Ramoji Film City, and was the Regional Coordinator at Blue Star India Ltd., Hyderabad. Shrinidhi has volunteered at ICS from 2007 uptil June 2023. From June 2023, Shrinidhi has taken the role of the Regional Coordinator at ICS, Kalaburagi.

Dr. Ashwini from Kalaburgi graduated with a BAMS degree in 2023. She then interned at the HCG Cancer Hospital, Bangalore and gaining valuable experience in Radiation Oncology. She has participated in multiple medical camps with ICS with focus on community health and cancer awareness. Dr. Ashwini is a Project Coordinator at ICS, Kalaburagi since August 2024 and is committed to promote cancer prevention. Dr. Ashwini is a passionate singer and a state level Yoga player.

Dr. Guru Suhas. P has an undergraduate degree in Dental Sciences from Oxford College of Dental Sciences Bangalore and followed it up with a Masters in Public Health Dentistry from Bangalore Institute of Dental Sciences. He then worked as faculty in Maruthi Dental College. He joined the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) as a Project scientist for little over two years. He has now found his passion in Indian Cancer Society and wants to help spread awareness about cancer.