• 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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Lower Premiums for Health Score Achievers: How Preventive Wellness Rewards Healthy Choices

Healthcare costs are rising steadily across India, driven largely by lifestyle-related diseases and late-stage diagnosis. In response, organisations and insurers are shifting focus from reactive treatment to prevention. One of the most effective approaches emerging from this shift is offering lower premiums for health score achievers.

This model aligns personal health responsibility with financial incentives, creating a win–win situation for individuals, employers and insurers.

 

What Is a Health Score?

A health score is a composite indicator that reflects an individual’s overall health status.

It typically considers:

  • preventive health checkup results

  • lifestyle habits such as physical activity and sleep

  • key biomarkers like blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure

  • body composition indicators

The focus is on risk reduction, not perfection.

 

Why Health Score–Based Premiums Are Gaining Importance

According to NITI Aayog and EY-FICCI reports, preventive healthcare can reduce long-term medical costs by up to 30–40 percent.

Health score–linked premiums:

  • reward proactive behaviour

  • reduce claim frequency

  • encourage early detection

This shifts healthcare from illness management to health preservation.

 

The Preventive Healthcare Gap in India

NFHS-5 and ICMR data show:

  • many chronic diseases remain undiagnosed until advanced stages

  • preventive screenings are underutilised

  • lifestyle risks are increasing among working adults

Health score incentives help close this gap.

 

How Lower Premiums Motivate Behaviour Change

Financial Incentives Drive Consistency

When healthy habits are rewarded financially, individuals are more likely to:

  • attend regular screenings

  • improve diet and activity

  • monitor health metrics

Behaviour change becomes sustainable.

Focus on Improvement, Not Punishment

Modern health score models emphasise:

  • gradual improvement

  • personalised targets

  • achievable milestones

This avoids discouragement and promotes inclusion.

 

Benefits for Individuals

Reduced Insurance Costs

Lower premiums directly reduce out-of-pocket insurance expenses.

 

Better Health Awareness

Tracking health scores increases understanding of:

  • personal risk factors

  • lifestyle impact

  • preventive actions

Knowledge leads to better choices.

 

Early Disease Detection

Regular monitoring identifies:

  • prediabetes

  • early hypertension

  • lipid abnormalities

Early intervention prevents complications.

 

Benefits for Employers

Lower Healthcare Claims

Preventive health programs reduce:

  • hospitalisations

  • long-term treatment costs

This improves corporate insurance sustainability.

 

Improved Productivity

Healthier employees experience:

  • fewer sick days

  • better energy levels

  • improved focus

Wellbeing translates to performance.

 

Stronger Wellness Culture

Reward-based programs signal genuine employer commitment to health.

 

Benefits for Insurers

Health score–based premiums help insurers:

  • manage risk more accurately

  • reduce high-cost claims

  • promote preventive engagement

This supports long-term viability of insurance models.

 

Role of Preventive Health Checkups

Preventive screenings form the backbone of health scoring.

They help track:

  • metabolic health

  • cardiovascular risk

  • nutritional deficiencies

NITI Aayog identifies screening as the most cost-effective health intervention.

 

Addressing Privacy and Fairness Concerns

Responsible programs ensure:

  • data confidentiality

  • voluntary participation

  • non-discriminatory design

Transparency builds trust and engagement.

 

Making Health Scores Inclusive

Inclusive programs:

  • adjust for age and baseline health

  • reward progress

  • offer support for high-risk individuals

Equity is essential for success.

 

Integration with Digital Health Platforms

Digital tools enable:

  • real-time health tracking

  • personalised insights

  • long-term trend monitoring

This improves engagement and accuracy.

 

Long-Term Impact on Public Health

Widespread adoption of health score incentives can:

  • reduce lifestyle disease burden

  • shift focus to prevention

  • improve population health outcomes

WHO supports incentive-based preventive health strategies globally.

 

Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Common challenges include:

  • low initial engagement

  • lack of awareness

  • resistance to change

Solutions involve education, simplicity and continuous support.

 

Why Lower Premiums Are More Effective Than Penalties

Positive reinforcement:

  • motivates sustained behaviour change

  • reduces anxiety

  • builds trust

Punitive models often discourage participation.

 

Future of Health Score–Linked Premiums in India

As digital health infrastructure expands, health score–based models are expected to:

  • become more personalised

  • integrate AI-driven insights

  • support nationwide preventive strategies

This marks a shift toward value-based healthcare.

 

Conclusion

Lower premiums for health score achievers represent a powerful shift toward preventive, value-driven healthcare. By rewarding healthy behaviours, early screening and consistent wellness practices, these programs benefit individuals, employers and insurers alike. Financial incentives aligned with health outcomes encourage long-term behaviour change, reduce disease burden and create a sustainable healthcare ecosystem. In a country facing rising lifestyle diseases, health score–linked premiums are not just an incentive—they are a strategic investment in healthier futures.

 

References

  • World Health Organization (WHO) – Preventive Healthcare and Incentive Models
  • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Lifestyle Disease and Prevention
  • National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Adult Health Indicators
  • NITI Aayog – Preventive Healthcare and Insurance Reform Reports
  • EY-FICCI – Corporate Wellness and Healthcare Cost Studies

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