Smoking may be one of the most common reasons for prostate cancer, the cases of which are on a rise these days, according to doctors.
They are of the view that the cases of prostate cancer, a urological disorder, have gone up in the past few months. According to the findings of National Institute of Pathology (ICMR) and Urology Department of Safdarjung Hospital, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in Delhi after the cases of lung cancer. Top urologists from the city’s leading hospitals said the situation is so alarming that within three years, prostate cancer will stand number one and surpass the figures of lung cancer in the city.
Doctors said once there was a time when the prostate cancer was common in western countries. “But today, this urological disorder is more common in India, with highest cases in metro cities.” The data by ICMR and Safdarjung hospital showed that in Delhi, Pune and Kolkata, prostate cancer is second most common kind of cancer while in Mumbai and Bengaluru, it is the third-most common cancer. In Chennai, it is the fourth most common cancer.
Dr Anup Kumar, HoD in Urology and Renal Transplant at Safdarjang Hospital said, “The cases of prostate cancer have increased to a large extent that numbers are going to be tremendous by 2020. The urological disorder will stand first after lung cancer in males.”
While smoking is one of the major risk factors, changing life style, bad dietary habits and genetic issue also plays a role, Dr Kumar said.
Doctors are of the view that if awareness and routine check-ups are not done, then there will be huge financial burden on the Government. It may be noted that the cost for cancer treatment amounts to lakhs of rupees. Recently, the Central Government hospital conducted a live operative international Workshop in which 9 complex cancer surgeries of prostate, kidney and bladder cancers were shown live from Safdarjang Hospital Urology OT. It is for the first time in India, Indocyanine green dye was used during laparoscopic radical cystectomy.
Dr Kumar said the PMO is now going to pay attention to non-communicable diseases including cancer and soon going to launch national program on prostate cancer.
Dr Manu Gupta, urologist at Sir Gangaram Hospital said, “Definitely, prostate cancer is a leading form of cancer after lung cancer. I witness at least 10 cases of this urological cancer every month”.
Awareness should be created and males should undergo screening of blood PSA test. With this, cancer can be detected at an early age which can increase the lifespan of a person up to 95 per cent.