The number of prostate cancer cases all over India rose from 26,120 in 2010 to 30,185 in the year 2020, as per NCBI data. Now this number excludes that were not diagnosed as most of the cases are asymptomatic. Prostate cancer is a rising concern in the world especially among Indian men, who are most vulnerable to the disease. However, the real concern is not that you have this cancer, the bigger problem is pretending to know what you don’t know about this condition.

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Prostate cancer is one of the hush-hush topics in India and thus, there remains a great deal of confusion and misconception about this disease. Therefore, it is important to bust all the myths and misinformation related to it. So, let’s get started.

Only old men get prostate cancer – NO

While 65% of prostate cancer cases are detected among men aged or older than 65, it is not impossible that men at earlier ages can’t get it. In fact, 35% of prostate cancers are diagnosed at an early age especially in the late 30s and early 40s.

Also Read: Know the six most common types of cancer and their symptoms

If no one in my family had prostate cancer, I will not get it – NO

While yes, family history of prostate cancer doubles a man’s chances of getting it, one cannot bank on the fact that if none of their predecessors had it, so they will also not get it.

The PSA test is for cancer- NO

This is the point where most people get scared without even a reason. The PSA test is to measure levels of prostate-specific antigen in the prostate and not to diagnose cancer. PSA is produced by the prostate in response to a number of problems that could be present in the prostate including an inflammation or infection (prostatitis), enlargement of the prostate gland (benign prostatic hyperplasia) or, possibly, cancer.

Also Read: Early detection of cancer can save lives, find out how

No symptoms mean I don’t have prostate cancer- NO

Sorry to bust this myth but experts call prostate cancer, one of the most asymptomatic cancer in oncology. This means that all patients don’t experience or show symptoms. In fact, signs of prostate cancers are often diagnosed by an expert during routine health checkups.

Thus, it is advisable for one must sign up for regular health check-ups and be vigilant of any changes in the body