Did you know that prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men? According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, it is the fourth most commonly occurring cancer overall, with over 1.5 million cases diagnosed worldwide every year (as of 2024), representing almost 8% of total cancer burden.
Despite its prevalence, prostate cancer is often overlooked or detected late. Many men may dismiss the symptoms as a normal part of ageing, while a lack of awareness and delayed screening can further postpone diagnosis.
Every year, September is observed as the World Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, making it an important time to talk openly about prostate health, recognise warning signs and understand the importance of early diagnosis.
In this blog, we shall cover everything you need to know about Prostate Cancer; from the causes and symptoms of prostate cancer to PSA testing, prevention, the role of early prostate cancer diagnosis and timely treatment.
What is Prostate Cancer?
The prostate is a small gland in men, part of their reproductive system, located below the urinary bladder and in front of the rectum. It surrounds part of the urethra and contributes fluid to semen.
Prostate cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the prostate grow uncontrollably and form a malignant (growing/spreading) tumour.
Some prostate cancers grow very slowly and may never cause significant problems, while others can be aggressive and spread beyond the prostate to nearby lymph nodes, bones or other organs.
It is a serious and common disease. As per some studies, for every 100 men, approximately 12-13 might develop prostate cancer at some point in their lives.
Although its symptoms are not always noticeable, early diagnosis can help stop its spread beyond the gland. If detected in early stages, timely treatment can help eliminate the cancer.
What are the Types of Prostate Cancer?
The most common type of prostate cancer is adenocarcinoma, which starts in the cells of the glands that secrete fluid (prostate).
The other less common types include:
- Small Cell Carcinomas
- Transitional Cell Carcinomas
- Sarcomas
- Neuroendocrine Tumours
What are the Risk Factors and Causes of Prostate Cancer?
While there is no single cause of prostate cancer, in most cases, it develops due to a combination of genetic, biological and environmental factors that cause abnormal changes in prostate cells.
Some of the risk factors, causes, or factors that might influence the occurrence of prostate cancer might include:
- Age
- Family history
- Smoking
- Excess Weight
- Genetic Factors
- Physical Inactivity
- Lifestyle Factors
Kindly note that having a risk factor does not mean that a person will definitely develop prostate cancer, while men without obvious risk factors can also develop the disease. It is important to keep a regular check on health and get preventive health checkups done for timely detection and treatment.
What are the Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?
Sometimes early prostate cancer might cause no symptoms at all. This is one of the reasons why awareness and appropriate evaluation are important.
When symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Difficulty starting or stopping urination
- Weak or interrupted urine flow
- Frequent urination, particularly at night
- A feeling that the bladder has not emptied completely
- Pain or burning while urinating
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Difficulty maintaining or achieving an erection
- Pain in the lower back, hips or pelvis
- Unexplained weight loss or persistent weakness in advanced disease
These symptoms do not necessarily mean prostate cancer. Benign prostate enlargement, prostatitis and other urinary conditions can cause similar symptoms. A medical evaluation by the best cancer doctor is therefore important rather than assuming the cause.
What are the 5 Warning Signs of Prostate Cancer?
There is no official list of exactly five warning signs because prostate cancer can present differently in different people. However, five symptoms that should prompt medical evaluation are:
- Difficulty or pain while urinating
- Weak or interrupted urine flow
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Persistent pain in the back, hips or pelvis
Why Prostate Cancer Awareness Month 2026 is Important?
Despite being one of the most common cancers among men, prostate cancer often remains overlooked and undetected due to limited awareness and the absence of noticeable symptoms in its early stages.
World Prostate Cancer Awareness Month 2026 in September is important as it helps spread awareness, helps people know the risk factors and causes, and recognise symptoms. It also encourages informed screening and early detection.
The right information can help reduce fear and stigma, empowering men to make informed decisions about their prostate health and seek medical advice when needed.
How is Prostate Cancer Diagnosed?
A prostate cancer diagnosis usually involves a combination of medical history, examination, blood tests, imaging and, when indicated, a biopsy.
An experienced cancer doctor will first evaluate your symptoms, family history and past medical records. Based on the evaluation, certain tests are recommended. The most significant is the PSA test.
What is Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test?
The Prostate-Specific Antigen Test, commonly called the PSA test, is a blood test that measures the level of prostate-specific antigen in the blood. An elevated PSA can occur because of prostate cancer, but it can also occur with benign prostate enlargement, prostatitis and other conditions. Therefore, a high PSA does not automatically mean cancer.
Prostate MRI and Biopsy
Multiparametric MRI can help identify areas of the prostate that appear suspicious. If cancer is suspected, a prostate biopsy may be performed to obtain tissue samples for examination under a microscope.
Read More - Radiation Therapy an Evolving Cancer Treatment
Why Does Early Prostate Cancer Diagnosis Matter?
Early diagnosis can significantly expand treatment options.
When prostate cancer is detected while it is still localised to the prostate, treatment may include active surveillance, surgery or radiation therapy, depending on the cancer's risk category and the patient's overall health and preferences.
Prostate Cancer Treatment
There is no single prostate cancer treatment that is suitable for every patient. Treatment depends on the stage, grade, PSA level, cancer aggressiveness, presence of metastases, age, overall health and individual preferences.
- Active Surveillance
- Prostate Cancer Robotic Surgery
- Radiation Therapy
- Hormone Therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Nuclear Therapy
- Targeted and Other Systemic Therapies
- Lifestyle modifications (for better recovery and to prevent recurrence)
Nuclear Medicine Therapy for Prostate Cancer Treatment
Nuclear medicine has become increasingly important in both the diagnosis and treatment of advanced prostate cancer. Some of the new-age nuclear therapies available at Sarvodaya’s Centre for Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Theranostics include:
- Actinium PSMA Therapy: This advanced therapy is used primarily for metastatic or advanced prostate cancer when other treatments are ineffective, offering a promising option for improved outcomes.
- Radium-223 (Ra-223) Therapy: This advanced, targeted treatment is used for men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer that has spread to the bones. With minimal side effects compared to traditional therapies, it offers a well-tolerated option for patients without visceral (organ) metastases.
- Alpha PSMA Therapy: A highly targeted internal radiotherapy used to manage advanced prostate cancer at the cellular level with great precision.
- Terbium-161 PSMA Therapy: A next-generation radiotherapy showing promise in precisely targeting and treating prostate cancer at the microscopic level.
- Lu-177 PSMA Therapy: Also known as Lutetium-177 PSMA, it is a targeted radiation therapy designed for treating advanced prostate cancer. It delivers localised radiation directly to the cancer cells, helping to shrink tumours and slow cancer progression.
Prostate Cancer Prevention
There is no guaranteed way to prevent prostate cancer. Some risk factors, such as age, genetics and family history, cannot be changed. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can support overall health and may help reduce the risk of several chronic diseases.
Important measures include:
- Maintain a healthy body weight
- Exercise regularly
- Eat a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes
- Limit highly processed foods and excessive saturated fat
- Avoid smoking
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Manage blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol
- Discuss your personal prostate cancer risk with your doctor
Role of Society in Prostate Cancer Awareness Month 2026
Every individual plays an important part in creating a society where men feel free to talk about their health and feel comfortable in seeking medical help. Families, workplaces, communities and healthcare organisations can help by:
- Encouraging open conversations about prostate health and cancer.
- Spreading awareness about risk factors, symptoms and the importance of early evaluation.
- Challenging stigma and misconceptions surrounding prostate cancer.
- Encouraging men at higher risk to discuss appropriate screening with their healthcare providers.
- Supporting those diagnosed by offering emotional and practical support throughout their treatment journey.
Prostate Health Awareness Starts With a Conversation
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month 2026 is a reminder that prostate health should not be ignored or discussed only when symptoms become severe.
Sarvodaya Hospital brings one of North India’s leading Cancer Care Centres where a multidisciplinary team of cancer specialists, urologists and other senior doctors combine their expertise with advanced technologies for early diagnosis, timely cancer treatment and optimum care for better recovery.
The hospital also houses one of the region’s very few centres to offer new-age nuclear therapies for advanced prostate cancer.
If you have urinary symptoms, an elevated PSA level, a family history of prostate cancer or other concerns about your prostate health, book your appointment with the experts today.
