• Published on: Sep 10, 2021
  • 3 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

What Are The Symptoms, Causes, And Treatment Of Prostate Cancer?

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What are the symptoms, causes, and treatment of Prostate cancer?

The different types of prostate cancer are generally classified by grade, degree of progression and staging. Treatment options include surgery, radiation, hormone therapy to suppress testosterone production or blocking the activity of hormones produced by other endocrine glands that stimulate the growth of prostate cancer cells.

Surgical treatment is often recommended when prostate tumors are detected in their early stages-localized stage-as it can usually eliminate them or control tumor growth, so they don't depend on hormones to survive. Surgery may also be recommended if the tumor cannot be seen clearly enough for an accurate diagnosis with imaging tests. Your physician may advise you about this option after discussing your medical history and physical examination results with you.

Symptoms of prostate cancer can be like the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. After noticing these or other symptoms, a doctor will perform a digital examination and ask some general health questions. Possible tests may include an analysis of the fluid secreted by the prostate gland when urinating (known as a "prostate-specific" antigen test), a biopsy, an MRI or CT scan imaging exam, or bone scans to rule out metastasis. Treatment may consist of certain medications that slow down tumor growth including finasteride and others; radiation therapy; surgery with prostatectomy to remove the bladder neck and sectioning/removal of all remaining tissue from within the urinary tract to prevent further spread beyond.

Prostate cancer has no signs or symptoms, so the only prevention is to get screened.

More information to include in the answer: There are several different types of prostate cancer that can be detected with a prostate exam. Some require surgery while others do not. Once diagnosed, treatment for these cancers often focuses on palliative care measures to relieve pain and other bothersome symptoms because prostate tumors rarely spread beyond the confines of this gland; they are considered localized or regional tumors. Treatment for advanced cancers may involve hormone therapy (antiandrogens) or chemotherapy (taxanes like docetaxel).

The symptoms of prostate cancer are also nonspecific and might include a change in frequency or volume of urine flow. An in-depth medical exam often determines the diagnosis, but anxieties in men over forty should be assuaged by getting a PSA test when appropriate. The causes sometimes arise from general conditions common from age 40 on which drive prostate cancer up from 1 out of 100 for people under 40 to 1 out of 4 for people over 80 - such as obesity, diabetes, elevated blood level cholesterol, family history and so forth. It's extra important to look after what we eat and how we live if we have one or more of these conditions already present.

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men. It is particularly more prevalent in elderly men. Over time, prostate cells may develop genetic damage that can lead to uncontrolled, or out-of-control cell growth. The most frequent cause of prostate cancer is age>40 years and obesity (>120% ideal body weight). Treatment for early-stage prostate cancers include surgery, radiation therapy and hormone therapy drugs.

Risk factors for prostate cancer are advanced age, being overweight or obese, family history of the disease or personal history of other cancers that have affected the gland near the prostate (eg., bladder), heavy consumption of alcohol (>2 drinks/day), sedentary lifestyle involving long periods without exercise (<1>

The symptoms of prostate cancer include difficulty urinating, prolonged or too frequent urination, blood in the urine or semen, pain when passing urine or ejaculating, erectile dysfunction. Possible causes include heredity and dietary factors. Treatments can involve surgery to remove the prostate gland in some cases. Options for this might include nerve-sparing robotic surgery when available.

  • Symptoms of prostate cancer include difficulty emptying the bladder, few or interrupted urination, pain during urination and bowel movement, excessive thin urine (pee), bloody urine or semen.
  • Causes of prostate cancer are close to zero chance of contracting it until you reach your 40's. If you had an older family history that involved prostate cancer, then there is a slightly elevated risk.
  • Medical treatment involves surgery to remove the entire gland or radical surgery where both testicles are removed as well as tissue all around the area called the para urethral region, including some muscle tissue on either side called "the peri spongiosum". This medical procedure may cure tumor not otherwise reachable with surgery.

Most of the symptoms are just a part of an enlarged prostate. The treatment is largely based on the type and stage, so for this answer, I will simply mention recurrences- which can happen in an estimated 5% to 20% of people after being treated. Late-stage cancers have been observed to reach points where they have not been observed to grow or spread but have still appeared to persist. As with any cancer, my suggestion would be that you go see your doctor best suited for your needs if you are concerned about any possible symptoms involving your prostate.

Prostate cancer is the third most common male malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in men. It primarily arises from glandular epithelium primarily by way of the prostate ducts and invades nearly every other organ system including bone, lymph nodes and blood vessels.

Symptoms may include hematuria (blood in urine), prostatitis (difficulty urinating), and erectile dysfunction; while risk factors that contribute to getting prostate cancer or who can be diagnosed include age (>50 years old); race (African American); family history of prostate cancer; sexually transmitted diseases such as human papilloma virus or chlamydia infection; diet with high intake of red meat, animal fat, dairy products.

Symptoms of prostate cancer may include difficulty urinating, pain or burning during urination, blood in the urine or semen, frequent trips to the bathroom at night (nocturia) and trouble starting a steady flow of urine. Causes of prostate cancer are related to genetic factors as well as environmental exposure to substances such as pesticides or components in processed foods.

Treatment for Prostate cancer varies depending on its severity. For example, if the tumor is small and is not growing fast it may be watched carefully with regular testing until it grows large enough to produce symptoms like difficulty urinating.

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Digital Health in India: Transforming Care with Technology – SecondMedic

Digital Health in India: Transforming Care with Technology – SecondMedic

In India today, healthcare is not just happening inside hospitals - it’s happening on screens, through apps, and in homes. The wave of digital health is reshaping how millions of Indians access, engage with and manage their health. And at the forefront of this transformation is SecondMedic - bringing tech-enabled, human-centred care to you.

Why Digital Health Matters in India

India faces a unique healthcare challenge: a large and diverse population, uneven distribution of healthcare services, rising burden of chronic disease, and cost pressure. According to recent reports, the digital health market in India was valued at approx USD 8.79 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach about USD 47.81 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of ~17.7%. custommarketinsights.com+1 Another report estimates USD 16.11 billion market size in 2024, with a projected USD 76.01 billion by 2033 (CAGR ~18.8%). Imarc Group

These numbers indicate the depth of opportunity - but also the urgency of care innovation.

Key Drivers of the Digital Health Revolution

  • Internet & Smartphone Penetration: With more than a billion internet users and increasing mobile data access, more Indians can access digital health tools than ever before.
     

  • Government Initiatives: Programmes such as the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) are creating frameworks for unified health records and digital infrastructure. Grand View Research+1
     

  • Telemedicine Acceptance: The pandemic accelerated adoption - video consultations, e-prescriptions and remote care are now mainstream. GlobeNewswire+1
     

  • Rise of Health Tech Start-ups & Capital: India has attracted billions in venture funding for digital health innovation. Galen Growth
     

  • Chronic Disease Burden & Prevention Needs: With rising lifestyle diseases, digital tools for monitoring, prevention, and early intervention are vital.
     

How SecondMedic Delivers Digital Health

At SecondMedic, our vision of digital health encompasses more than technology - it’s about connecting people, data and care seamlessly. Here’s how:

  • Online Doctor Consultations: Talk to licensed doctors from home, get e-prescriptions, and follow up digitally.
     

  • Diagnostics at Home + Digital Reports: Book home sample collection, receive your reports online, and consult doctors based on results.
     

  • Digital Health Records: Your health history, test results, and prescriptions stored securely and accessible anytime.
     

  • Remote Monitoring & Chronic Care: Track BP, sugar, vitals via wearables or apps; get alerts and virtual support.
     

  • Preventive & Wellness Plans: Leverage digital assessments, personalised advice and follow-ups to stay ahead of illness.
     

Benefits for You & Your Family

  • More Accessible Care: Whether you’re in a metro or smaller town, digital health brings the doctor closer.
     

  • Time & Cost Savings: No long hospital visits; quicker decisions, less travel.
     

  • Continuity & Convenience: Care doesn’t stop at discharge - your health journey is tracked and managed digitally.
     

  • Empowered Patients: With health data and tools at your fingertips, you become an active participant in your healthcare.
     

Challenges & What Must Improve

While digital health offers promise, it’s not without hurdles:

  • Infrastructure Gaps: Rural regions may still face connectivity, device or digital literacy issues.
     

  • Data Privacy & Security: Ensuring health data is safely stored and used responsibly is essential.
     

  • Standardisation: Interoperability of health records, standard formats and integration across platforms remain a work in progress. arXiv+1
     

  • User Trust & Adoption: Some users remain sceptical of digital tools; building trust through reliable platforms is key.
     

Looking Ahead: The Future of Digital Health in India

The next phase of digital health will be characterised by:

  • AI & Predictive Analytics: Using big data to forecast disease risk, tailor treatment and improve outcomes.
     

  • Wearables & IoT: More connected devices tracking health in real time.
     

  • Integrated Ecosystems: Seamless flow between teleconsultation, diagnostics, pharmacy, monitoring and follow-up.
     

  • Inclusive Growth: Bringing digital health to underserved populations, remote areas and smaller towns.
     

  • Policy & Regulatory Maturation: Stronger frameworks, data governance and patient-centric policies.
     

Conclusion

Digital health in India is more than a technology trend - it’s the foundation of future-ready healthcare. For patients, it means access, convenience, and continuous care. For the healthcare system, it means efficiency, scalability and innovation.

At SecondMedic, we are committed to integrating technology with compassion - making sure that your health is managed smarter, digitally and with a human touch.

Start your digital health journey today at www.secondmedic.com.

 

Real Data & References

  • India digital health market valued at USD 8.79 billion in 2024, projected to reach USD 47.81 billion by 2033. custommarketinsights.com+1
     

  • India digital health market valued at USD 14.50 billion in 2024, projected to reach USD 106.97 billion by 2033 (CAGR ~25.12%). Grand View Research
     

  • India’s digital healthcare sector estimated to grow from USD 2.7 billion in 2022 to USD 37 billion by 2030. B Capital
     

  • India’s digital health records market size at USD 1.1 billion in 2024, projected at USD 1.5 billion by 2033. Imarc Group

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