What Is The Connection Between Prostate Cancer And Urinary Issues? Doctor Explains

Prostate cancer is a disease affecting the prostate gland, a part of the male reproductive system that surrounds the urethra which is responsible for urination. The prostate expands or grows which leads to reducing or blocking the flow of urine out of the bladder. Factors like genetics, family history of cancer, obesity, etc. do play a role in its etiopathogenesis seen in advanced age. A recent Lancet study projects a significant rise in prostate cancer cases among men with the number of diagnoses expected to double by 2040. This increase is likely driven by several factors, including ageing populations, lifestyle changes and advances in early detection methods.

In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr. Yogesh Garg, Consultant – Urology, Manipal Hospital, Patiala explained the connection between prostate cancer and urinary issues.

Prostate Cancer And Urinary Issues

Prostate cancer is difficult to diagnose at an early stage as not all men show visible symptoms. Moreover, its symptoms are similar to other very common senile prostatic enlargements. The most common symptoms associated with prostate condition BPH can be:

• Difficulty in peeing
• Sudden and frequent urge to pee
• Unable to empty the bladder at once
• Blood in urine
• Feeling pain during or after peeing

For early detection and to eliminate the risk factor, men aged 50 or more should go for regular prostate health checkups. There are a few tips that can help in maintaining prostate health.

Diet- A balanced diet can help in maintaining good prostate health.
Physical activity- Regular exercise can help in maintaining a healthy weight and hormonal balance, which might reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
Staying hydrated- It can help to maintain urinary health and ease the symptoms of urinary discomfort, if any.
Regular screening- One should always opt for regular checkups to eliminate the risk factor.

To treat prostate cancer, various treatments are available depending upon factors like age, severity and symptoms. Active surveillance is used in early-stage prostate cancer along with medications that help in fighting the symptoms, like relaxing the bladder muscles or improving the urine flow.

Treatments for prostate cancer include options like robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy which uses robotic precision to remove the prostate with minimal invasion and radical prostatectomy where the entire prostate gland and surrounding tissue are surgically removed. Cryotherapy is another option, involving the freezing and destruction of cancer cells, particularly suitable for localised cases.

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