In prostate cancer discussion, misinformation can be dangerous
When it comes to prostate cancer, there’s a lot of confusion and guesswork floating around—especially among men who don’t like talking about health until something goes wrong. From believing only older men get it to thinking screening is painful or unnecessary, myths often stop people from getting timely checks or understanding their real risk. The truth is, prostate cancer is one of the most treatable cancers if caught early, but misinformation can be dangerous. So let’s clear the air. Here are seven common myths about prostate cancer that many people still believe—and why it’s time to let them go.
(Dr. Manish C A - Consultant Uro-Oncologist and Robotic Surgeon, Apollo Hospitals Bangalore)
Myth: I do not experience any urinary symptoms,so I need not get screened for prostate cancer as I am asymptomatic and do not have prostate cancer
Fact- Prostate Cancer is the second most common solid organ malignancy world wide, while urinary symptoms develop generally due to an enlarged prostate - be it a benign or a malignant enlargement, most early prostate cancers develop multifocally in the prostate gland without any overt clinical symptoms , so if you are a male above the age of 50 or earlier if you have a family history of prostate cancer, even if without any symptoms - you should discuss your screening options with your URO-ONCOLOGIST.
Myth: I was screened for prostate during my routine annual health check and found to have an elevated PSA( a blood test) - this means i have prostate cancer
Fact- PSA is organ specific and not cancer specific, so if you have an elevated PSA level cancer should be carefully ruled out after a detailed clinical examination by your URO-ONCOLOGIST, followed by an MRI of the prostate and if indicated a prostate biopsy, as there are many other causes of elevated PSA like- Benign Enlargement of the prostate, Infection of the prostate (Prostatitis), Recent Ejaculation, Long distance cycling, or recent Urinary catheterisation, So If you have an elevated PSA, do not worry, but make sure to consult your URO-ONCOLOGIST.
Myth: If my father had prostate cancer, i will get it too.
Fact- Having a father or brother with Prostate cancer does increase your risk of getting it but does not make it certain. So all you have to do in this scenario is start getting screened with PSA( a blood test) early, after years of age, and the PSA value should be compared to the AGE-ADJUSTED values, and not the absolute laboratory values.
Myth: I have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, but I feel fine, my cancer must be harmless.
Fact- Symptoms don't dictate how dangerous your cancer is.
A gentleman with no symptoms at all could have an aggressive tumor, while another with urinary symptoms could have a mild cancer.
If you have been diagnosed and feel alright, you might in all possibility have a localised cancer and have a chance at cure, so don't ignore your diagnoses and take the right steps and pursue active treatment, Early diagnosis and treatment does indeed save lives.
Myth: Prostate cancer is a death sentence
Fact- NOT AT ALL- Most men diagnosed today survive and live long lives with preserved quality of life . The 5 year survival rate for Localised prostate cancer is nearly 100%.
And in fact even patients with STAGE IV disease i.e Metastatic Prostate Cancer, good disease control is possible with the available Hormonal treatment and newer Androgen receptor pathway inhibitors, and many other treatment options in the metastatic setting.
So in summary - A diagnosis of prostate cancer is not a death sentence even in the setting of an advanced disease , while in the localised setting there is a high possibility of cure.
Myth: My doctor has advised surgery for prostate cancer, but it sounds like a major surgery and I'll probably be in terrible pain post surgery and take months to recover.
FACT- Recovery from prostate cancer surgery i.e RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY has improved dramatically over the years, with enhanced surgical precision with a ROBOT ASSISTED RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY, effective cancer control is possible with smaller incisions, lesser pain and faster recovery while preserving your quality of life.
With ROBOTIC TECHNIQUES- most men - start ambulating 6 hours after surgery, and go home within 24-48 hours, resume light routine activities within a week and fully recover within 3-4 weeks. Pain is usually managed with simple medication, also no age is too old for surgery, as chronological age alone does not determine surgical eligibility, Many healthy men in their 70s undergo prostatectomy without any major complications.
Myth: If I have surgery for prostate cancer ill definitely lose my sexual function and have urinary leak/incontinence for the rest of my life
Fact- This is a common fear, but not always true.
With regard to sexual function, the nerves that control erectile function in men , traverse very close to the prostate, and have a possibility of getting injured during surgery, but with modern robotic nerve sparing techniques, these nerves can be meticulously preserved during surgery, But it is important to remember that the decision to spare the nerves will be taken by the surgeon only if the cancer is well within the prostate and away from the nerves, because remember that cancer control is our primary aim here.
With regard to Urinary in continence- Temporary leakage is common but usually short term, most men regain bladder control within 3-6 months , if not earlier, and more than 90% within 1 year, KEGEL exercises before and after surgery speed recovery.
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