The prostate is one of the most common types of cancer in men, especially those over 50, but it doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Many men are diagnosed with prostate cancer at a point where timely treatment could have made a big difference because the symptoms often develop slowly and can look like other, less serious conditions.
This blog from Onco-Life Cancer Centre is a caring, fact-based guide for men, carers, and families who want to learn more about this important health issue.
We’ll go over the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer, talk about what causes it, and look at new treatments that save and improve lives every day.
What is the Prostate?
The prostate is a small gland that looks like a walnut. It is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It makes seminal fluid, which feeds and moves sperm.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition that can happen as men get older. It means that the prostate may grow larger. BPH is not cancer, but its symptoms can look like those of prostate cancer.
It’s important to know how the body works because changes in the prostate can affect urination, sexual health, and overall health.
What Is Prostate Cancer?
Cells in the prostate gland start to grow out of control, which is how prostate cancer starts. Most prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas, which come from the cells in the gland.
Prostate cancer usually grows slowly, which is different from many other aggressive cancers. But some types can spread quickly and be deadly if they aren’t found early.
There are three main steps:
- Localised: limited to the prostate
- Locally advanced: spread to tissues that are close by
- Metastatic: means that it has spread to lymph nodes, bones, or other organs
What Are the Signs of Prostate Cancer That You Should Look Out For?
Most early-stage prostate cancers don’t have any obvious signs. including stage 1 prostate cancer symptoms, which are often very mild or nonexistent. That’s why screening is so important. But when prostate cancer symptoms do show up, they might be:
- Going to the toilet a lot, especially at night
- Urine flow that is weak or stops and starts
- Trouble starting to pee
- Pain or a burning feeling when you pee
- Blood in urine or semen
- Problems with getting an erection
- If cancer has spread, you may feel pain in your hips, back, or pelvis
If you have any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor or a haematologist near you right away.
What Causes Prostate Cancer?
Why Does It Happen?
There isn’t one cause of prostate cancer, just like most cancers. But studies show that there are several things that raise the risk:
- Age
After age 50, the risk goes up a lot. About 60% of the cases are in men over 65. - Your Family’s History
Men whose father or brother had prostate cancer are more than twice as likely to get it themselves. - Genes
Inherited mutations, especially in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, increase the risk. - Ethnic Background
African-American men are more likely to get the disease and often get more aggressive forms. - Food
Eating a lot of red meat and not enough fruits and vegetables may raise your risk of prostate cancer. - Being Overweight and Not Moving Around Enough
Being overweight can change how likely you are to get prostate cancer and how bad it is.
How Do Doctors Find Out If Someone Has Prostate Cancer?
At Onco-Life Cancer Centre, we take a full approach to diagnosing:
- CH Fly Test
Checks the levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). High levels could mean cancer, but they could also mean other problems with the prostate. - Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
A physical exam to check for problems with the prostate. - Combining MRI and Ultrasound – Biopsy
Before taking a tissue sample, advanced imaging is used to find areas that look suspicious. - A Biopsy
A needle biopsy can tell if you have cancer and how aggressive it is (Gleason score). - PET-CT / Bone Scan
To see if the cancer has spread. We offer PET scan services at all of our locations, including Pune.
Should You Get a PSA Screening?
PSA screening can help find cancer early, especially in people who are at high risk. But it’s not always easy.
It’s important to be careful about overdiagnosis and overtreatment, especially for slow-growing cancers that may never hurt you. That’s why it’s so important to make decisions with your doctor.
Prostate Cancer Treatment Options at Onco-Life Cancer Centre
The stage and grade of the cancer, the patient’s age and health, and their own preferences all play a role in how it is treated. Here’s how it breaks down:
- Active Watching
- Surgery (Radical Prostatectomy)
- Radiation Treatment
- Radiation therapy from the outside (EBRT)
- Internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy)
- Hormone Therapy (Androgen Deprivation Therapy)
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapy
For low-risk cancer, regular tests like PSA tests, MRIs, and biopsies are needed.
The prostate is taken out completely. Minimally invasive options, like laparoscopic surgery with a robot, cut down on recovery time and side effects.
Used alone or after surgery to kill any cancer cells that are still there.
This treatment lowers hormone levels to slow the growth of prostate cancer, which is caused by male hormones.
Used when cancer has spread or hormone therapy is no longer working.
If you’re looking for chemotherapy near me, you should know that Onco-Life has full chemotherapy suites with 24/7 medical care and personalised care.
New treatments that look promising for cancers that have spread or don’t respond to other treatments. Clinical trials are still going on.
Family Support: The Emotional Side of the Trip
The person with prostate cancer isn’t the only one it affects, it affects the whole family. Men may feel scared, embarrassed, or angry, especially when treatment affects their ability to control their sexuality or urination.
That’s why the Onco-Life Cancer Centre offers:
- Counselling for mental health
- Family therapy sessions
- Food advice for healing and getting energy
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
We think that treating the person, not just the disease, is important.
Can You Stop Prostate Cancer From Happening?
There is no sure way to stop it, but making healthy choices may lower your risk:
- Eat more healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables
- Get some exercise every day
- Keep your weight in check
- Don’t smoke and drink only a little
- Get checkups regularly, especially after 50
- If you have a family history, talk to your doctor about getting genetic testing
Why Should You Choose Onco-Life Cancer Centre?
Patients who look for a cancer hospital near me want trust, technology, and caring staff. We have:
- The latest diagnostic tools, like PET-CT, MRI, and pathology labs
- Multidisciplinary cancer board reviews
- Specialised uro-oncologists
- Affordable care under MJPJAY and PM-JAY schemes
- Centres in Talegaon, Wagholi, Chiplun, and Satar
We are with you every step of the way, from diagnosis to recovery.
When to Go to the Doctor
If you have any of the following, see your doctor or cancer specialist:
- Having trouble peeing
- Blood in your urine or semen
- Problems with getting an erection
- Pain in the pelvis
- A family history of breast or prostate cancer
An evaluation today could save your life tomorrow.
Last Words: Your Health Is Your Legacy
Prostate cancer may not show any signs, but you do. Awareness, regular checkups, and open conversations can make a difference.
At Onco-Life Cancer Centre, we are more than just your treatment team we are your partners, advocates, and listeners.
Whether you need a PET scan in Pune, a haematologist near you, or reliable advice on how to treat prostate cancer we’re always here to help you on your journey.
It’s worth it to fight for your life, your health, and your future.
