International Men’s Day 2025: 6 Things Your Urologist Wants You To Know About Prostate Cancer Treatment

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Prostate cancer is still often spoken about in hushed tones or avoided altogether because of the fear and stigma surrounding it. However, the more men understand this disease, the earlier they can seek help, get the right diagnosis, and manage symptoms far more effectively.

On this International Men's Day, which is observed on November 19 each year, we spoke to Dr Likhiteswer Pallagani, Consultant Urologist, Uro-Onco and Robotic Surgeon, KIMS Hospital, Hyderabad and Fellow in Uro-Oncology and Robotic Surgery, USA, who listed six things you need to know about the disease that can help you get a better quality of life and give you more time to make sweet memories with loved ones:

6 Things Your Urologist Wants You To Know About Prostate Cancer Treatment

1. Knowing the Basics

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The prostate is a small gland that is happy to stay out of the limelight till it begins to trouble you. If you are visiting the bathroom frequently at night, it could be because of age-related Benign Enlargement (BPH) of the prostate or, more seriously, prostate cancer.

"Today, the disease is not as frightening as it was a decade ago. Rapid advances in precision medicine, artificial intelligence, robotics, targeted therapies and minimally invasive treatments have made both diagnosis and management far more accurate and effective in helping affected men retain their quality of life," said Dr Pallagani.

2. Importance of Early Consultation

Men often delay seeing a doctor if they're facing any urinary issues due to shame and the invasion of privacy, but the truth is, the sooner you have honest conversations with your doctor, the earlier you get a diagnosis, the faster, simpler and more effective your treatment becomes.

Regular check-ups can help detect prostate issues early and improve treatment outcomes.
Any change in urination, even small ones, should be taken seriously.
Pain during urination or ejaculation is a warning sign that needs medical attention.
Blood in urine or semen should never be ignored and requires immediate consultation.
Early-stage prostate cancer often has no symptoms, making routine screenings essential.
Honest conversations with your doctor help identify problems long before they become serious.

3. PSA Tests are an Early Warning System

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"The simple Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test is a good first step in diagnosing cancer early, when it's easiest to treat. Even with newer scans and biomarkers, urologists recommend not skipping your regular PSA checks, as rising levels can signal trouble long before symptoms appear, saving lives through early action. Other tests include MRI scan, PHI test, PSMA PET scan," added Dr Pallagani.

4. Role of AI in Prostate Cancer

Inroads made by Artificial Intelligence (AI) are profoundly transforming prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment.

"AI tools, such as the FDA-approved Paige Prostate AI for pathology review and the prognostic ArteraAI test, can analyse complex scans and biopsy results with greater speed and accuracy than manual methods, helping clinicians detect cancer much earlier," explained Dr Pallagani.

AI support, when integrated with robotic systems, significantly enhances surgical precision during procedures like radical prostatectomy. Furthermore, AI is crucial in stratifying patients at diagnosis and using multi-modal data to determine the most effective, personalised treatment strategies.

5. Focal Therapies

Why remove or radiate the entire prostate or groin if the cancer is confined to a tiny area? Focal therapies such as High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) are helping doctors offer targeted treatment for low- to intermediate-risk, early-stage prostate cancer.

"Another promising option is TULSA-PRO, a completely incision-free and radiation-free procedure that uses real-time MRI guidance and ultrasound energy delivered through the urethra to precisely destroy only the diseased portion of the prostate. This minimally invasive approach is customisable, offers a faster recovery time, and allows patients to return to their normal routine within just a few days, all with fewer side effects," said Dr Pallagani.

6. Personalised Treatment Plans

Dr Pallagani concluded, "Prostate cancer treatment no longer follows a one-size-fits-all approach. No two prostate cancers are ever the same, so why should the treatment be en masse? Today, urologists use genetic testing, advanced imaging, and tumour profiling to create a plan made just for you. This means choosing treatments most likely to work for you while avoiding those that will cause more harm than good. Personalisation means you have the best shot at beating cancer with the fewest side effects."

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.