Prostrate cancer screening is crucial for early detection and treatment of this common and potentially life-threatening disease. A recent study revealed that men consistently avoiding the screening tests face a higher risk of dying from the disease.
An analysis of data from across seven countries from a European Randomised Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer (ERSPC) has revealed this.
Regular screening, typically through prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests and digital rectal exams can identify prostate cancer in its earlier stages when it is most treatable.
Early detection is the key and it significantly improves survival rates and reduces the risk of complications, making prostate cancer screening an essential part of men's health.
Those above the age of 50 years or with a family history of the disease are considered a high-risk group.
The prevalence of prostate cancer, the most common form of cancer in men in 112 countries, is expected to double by 2040.
The ERSPC report says that PSA screening programmes can lead to a 20 per cent reduced risk of dying from prostate cancer.
The study, led by researchers from the Department of Urology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands, has highlighted that there is a decline in screening.
The study took note that of the 72,460 men invited to screening, around one in six men skipped every appointment. The group had a 45 per cent higher risk of dying from prostate cancer.
The researchers call for studies to better understand why men are reluctant to attend screening appointments.
### What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?
1\. Frequent, sometimes urgent need to urinate.
2\. Weak urine flow
3\. Pain or burning sensation while peeing
4\. Painful ejaculation and erectile dysfunction
5\. Blood in semen or pee
6\. Lower back pain
### What are the risk factors for prostate cancer?
\* Age: About 60 per cent of prostate cancers occur in people older than 65. Experts advise regular screening for those above 50.
\* Race and ethnicity sometimes play a role as well.
\* Family history: You are two to three times more likely to get affected if a close family member has it.
\* Genetics: If you have inherited mutated genes then you are likely to get it.