As life expectancy increases in India, experts warn that the burden of Prostate Cancer may be on the rise.  Of the 7.6 million deaths due to cancer worldwide, one-sixth are caused by prostate cancer, which is also today the second most frequently diagnosed cancer-type after lung cancer. A disease whose risk increases proportionately with age, prostate cancer is growing in incidence as life expectancy increases. According to T. R Murali, Urologist of Meenakshi hospital , 70 percent of all prostate cancer patients are men (over the age of 65). The prostate is an exocrine gland of the male reproductive system, and exists directly under the bladder. Besides producing a fluid that forms part of the semen and protects the sperm, the prostate gland also plays a role in urine control. Traditionally, the incidence of prostate cancer has been the highest in the United States and Europe and lower in countries of South and East Asia.

In India, where life expectancy increased from 61.97 in 2001 to 65.48 in 2011, prostate cancer incidence is growing by 1 percent every year. Dr.Murali added, Prostate Cancer usually grows slowly and initially remains confined to the prostate gland, where it may not cause serious harm. While some types of prostate cancer need minimal or no treatment, other types are aggressive and can spread quickly. Age, genetic predispositions, diet and sexually-transmitted diseases (specifically in men) all seem to have a direct correlation with the risk of prostate cancer. However, in India the awareness about the disease remains very low. Once a tumor causes the prostate gland to swell; frequent need to urinate (especially at night), weak or interrupted urinary stream and blood in urine or semen could be considered as alarming symptoms leading to prostate cancer. Hence, it becomes important to immediately visit a doctor if any of these symptoms are observed. The good part is that prostate cancer is a relatively slow-growing cancer, and the survival rate is hence high. The treatments include surgery (prostatectomy), radiotherapy, hormonal therapy using androgen-depriving drugs, depending upon the stage and level of the cancer. Here is a quick look at some key facts about Prostate Cancer. One new case occurs every 2.5 minutes and a man dies from prostate cancer every 17 minutes A nonsmoking man is more likely to get prostate cancer Because prostate cancer is a relatively slow-growing cancer, the 5-year survival rate for prostate cancer diagnosed at all stages is 98percent. The relative 10-year survival rate is 84 percent and the 15-year survival rate is 56 percent.

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