Understanding Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men worldwide.

Early detection is important for improving treatment options, yet many men overlook the initial symptoms, mistaking them for benign conditions like an enlarged prostate.

This article explains the early signs and symptoms of prostate cancer, supported by what I see in my Delhi practice as the best uro oncologist in Delhi for high-volume robotic cancer surgery - and the rigorous diagnostic workup I use at Max Hospital Saket and Max Hospital Gurgaon to spot cancer early.

Understanding Prostate Cancer

The prostate is a small gland in the male reproductive system responsible for producing seminal fluid. Prostate cancer develops when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in this gland.

Globally, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men, with over 1.4 million new cases diagnosed each year.

In India, the disease is rising in step with longer life expectancy and better detection.

While some prostate cancers grow slowly and may not require immediate treatment, others are aggressive and can spread quickly.

Recognising early symptoms allows timely diagnosis and dramatically improves outcomes.

Early Signs and Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

In its early stages, prostate cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms. However, as the tumour grows, men may experience:

Urinary Problems. Since the prostate surrounds the urethra, cancer growth can obstruct urine flow. Common urinary symptoms include:

• Weak or interrupted urine stream

• Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)

• Difficulty starting or stopping urination

• Pain or burning sensation during urination

*"Many patients initially attribute urinary symptoms to ageing or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

However, persistent urinary changes warrant a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and further evaluation to rule out malignancy."*

Blood in Urine or Semen. The presence of blood in urine (hematuria) or semen (hematospermia) can indicate prostate cancer, though it may also result from infections or other conditions.

Either way, it warrants evaluation.

Erectile Dysfunction (ED). While ED is common with age, sudden or worsening erectile dysfunction may be linked to prostate cancer affecting nerve function.

Pain or Discomfort. Advanced prostate cancer may cause:

• Pelvic, hip, or lower back pain (if cancer has spread to bones)

• Painful ejaculation

• Discomfort while sitting (if the prostate is enlarged)

Unexplained Weight Loss and Fatigue. In aggressive cases, systemic symptoms like unintended weight loss, fatigue, or loss of appetite may occur, signalling advanced disease.

Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer

While symptoms are critical, understanding risk factors helps in early screening:

• Age: Over 50% of cases occur in men over 65

• Family History: A father or brother with prostate cancer doubles the risk - and earlier-than-50 screening is then appropriate

• Race / Ethnicity: African-American men have a higher reported incidence; the Indian South-Asian population profile is currently under closer study

• Diet and Lifestyle: High-fat diets and obesity may increase risk

Why Early Detection Matters

Prostate cancer has a 5-year survival rate of nearly 100% when detected early. However, if the cancer spreads to distant organs - bone, lung, liver - survival rates drop sharply.

In my Delhi practice, the patients who do best are the ones who came in when their PSA was first flagged - not the ones who waited months while symptoms worsened.

The curative-treatment window is widest in the early stages, and it narrows fast.

How is Prostate Cancer Diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves a combination of:

• PSA blood test (elevated levels may indicate cancer, though many other conditions also raise PSA)

• Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)

• MRI of the prostate (helps localise suspicious areas before biopsy)

• Prostate biopsy (the definitive diagnosis)

• PSMA PET scan (for staging if cancer is confirmed)

In my practice, I sequence these deliberately. PSA first. If elevated, MRI. Then a targeted biopsy informed by MRI findings - not a blind 12-core biopsy.

This reduces unnecessary biopsies and improves accuracy.

Why Choose Dr. Tushar Aditya Narain for Prostate Cancer Care?

I am Director and Lead Surgeon - Robotic Uro-Oncology at Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital, Saket and Max Hospital, Gurgaon, with 500+ robotic prostatectomies.

My UCLH (London) Fellowship and Intuitive Surgical da Vinci Proctorship are why I am often described as the best uro oncologist in Delhi for high-volume robotic cancer surgery.

Why patients trust me:

• International Expertise: Trained at University College London Hospital, I bring advanced robotic surgical techniques for precise, minimally invasive cancer removal

• Academic Background: AIIMS, Delhi and PGI Chandigarh - deep academic foundations combined with clinical practice

• Patient-Centered Care: Every plan is personalised - from diagnosis to recovery

• Research-Informed Practice: I stay current with peer-reviewed publications in urological oncology, which informs every protocol I prescribe

Services Offered

• Robotic-assisted prostatectomy using the Da Vinci surgical system

• Advanced diagnostics: MRI-fusion biopsy and PSMA PET scans

• Minimally invasive treatments for localised and advanced prostate cancer

• Structured post-treatment rehabilitation and long-term follow-up

Conclusion

Prostate cancer is highly treatable when detected early. Urinary symptoms, blood in semen or urine, and persistent pain should never be ignored.

Consulting a specialist like me - a fellowship-trained robotic uro oncologist in Delhi at Max Hospital Saket - provides access to specialised robotic surgery and personalised cancer care.

If you or a loved one notices any of these symptoms, schedule a screening today. Early action shifts the curve in your favour.