Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men — but when it is found early it is very often curable. Many prostate cancers grow slowly and can even be safely monitored rather than treated straight away. Dr. Anish Gupta provides careful assessment and the full range of modern treatment for prostate cancer across Delhi NCR.
What is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is a malignant tumour that develops in the prostate — a small walnut-sized gland that sits below the bladder and forms part of the male reproductive system. Most prostate cancers grow slowly and remain confined to the gland, but some are more aggressive and can spread to surrounding tissues, the lymph nodes and the bones. Because early disease is often silent, it is commonly detected through a routine PSA blood test rather than through symptoms.
It is important to know that prostate cancer is a separate condition from benign prostatic enlargement (an enlarged, non-cancerous prostate), although the two can exist at the same time — which is why proper assessment matters.
Symptoms of prostate cancer
In its early stages prostate cancer usually causes no clear symptoms, and many men are diagnosed while they feel entirely well. When symptoms do appear, they can include:
- A weak or slow urine stream, or difficulty starting to urinate
- Needing to urinate more often, particularly at night
- Blood in the urine (haematuria) or in the semen
- Pain or discomfort when passing urine
- A feeling that the bladder is not emptying fully
Advanced disease that has spread may cause bone pain (often in the back, hips or ribs), unexplained weight loss, leg weakness or new problems with bladder control. These symptoms can also have many other causes, so they should always be assessed rather than assumed to be cancer.
Causes and risk factors
The exact cause is not fully understood, but several factors increase the risk:
- Age — risk rises noticeably after 50
- A family history of prostate cancer, especially in a father or brother
- Ethnicity, with men of African ancestry at higher risk
- Being overweight, and a diet high in fat and low in fresh produce
Because diet and lifestyle play a part, sensible changes can help — you can read more in our guide on diet and other considerations for preventing prostate cancer.
When to see a urologist
See a urologist if you have new or worsening urinary symptoms, blood in your urine or semen, or persistent bone pain. If you are over 50 — or over 40 with a family history — it is worth discussing PSA screening even without symptoms, as the most treatable cancers are usually the ones found before they cause any trouble.
How prostate cancer is diagnosed
Diagnosis is built up step by step, starting with the least invasive tests. Dr. Anish Gupta may arrange a combination of:
- A PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test and a digital rectal examination
- A multiparametric prostate MRI scan to assess suspicious areas
- A targeted prostate biopsy to confirm the diagnosis under the microscope
- A Gleason score to grade how aggressive the cancer is, and staging scans to see whether it has spread
These are all part of thorough urology diagnostics, which guide the choice of treatment and give a clear picture before any decisions are made.
Treatment options for prostate cancer
Treatment is chosen carefully according to the stage and grade of the cancer, your age and general health, and your own preferences. Not every prostate cancer needs immediate treatment.
Active surveillance
For low-risk, slow-growing cancer, treatment can often be safely delayed. Instead the cancer is monitored closely with regular PSA tests, scans and occasional repeat biopsies, so that active treatment is only started if there is any sign of progression. This avoids unnecessary side effects.
Surgery
For localised cancer, radical or robotic prostatectomy removes the entire prostate. Robotic-assisted surgery offers greater precision, less blood loss and a quicker recovery than traditional open surgery.
Radiotherapy and other treatments
Radiotherapy — delivered as external-beam treatment or as implanted radioactive seeds (brachytherapy) — is an effective alternative to surgery for many men. For more advanced disease, hormone therapy and other treatments may be used, sometimes in combination, to control the cancer.
Why choose Dr. Anish Gupta
Dr. Anish Gupta is a Consultant Urologist & Andrologist with more than 20 years' experience and a special interest in uro-oncology. Holding MBBS, MS and DNB (Urology) qualifications, he offers clear, honest guidance through every stage — from screening and diagnosis to advanced minimally-invasive treatment — with care available at three convenient locations across Delhi NCR (Ashok Vihar, Rohini and Karol Bagh).
Frequently asked questions
Is prostate cancer curable?
Prostate cancer that is found early and is still confined to the gland is very often curable with surgery or radiotherapy. Even when it is more advanced, treatment can control the disease effectively for many years. This is why early detection through PSA testing is so valuable.
Does a raised PSA always mean cancer?
No. PSA can be raised by an enlarged prostate, infection or inflammation, not only by cancer. A high PSA is a reason to investigate further with a scan and, if needed, a biopsy — it is not a diagnosis on its own.
Will treatment affect my sex life or bladder control?
Some treatments can affect erections or urinary control, but modern nerve-sparing and robotic techniques are designed to reduce this risk. Dr. Anish Gupta discusses the likely effects of each option openly so you can make an informed choice.
Should I be treated straight away if I am diagnosed?
Not always. Many low-risk cancers grow so slowly that active surveillance is the safest choice, avoiding unnecessary side effects. The right approach depends on the grade and stage of your cancer, which is assessed carefully before any decision.
Every treatment plan starts with a proper assessment, so you only get the care your condition actually needs — and if the honest answer is that you don't need a procedure, you'll hear that too.