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Men's Health Stigma and the Silence Around Prostate Cancer
Even discussions around the topic remain limited due to societal stigma surrounding men’s health issues
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death among men across the world. This deadly cancer develops in the prostate - a small walnut-shaped gland located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. According to experts, prostate cancer is a serious disease; however, most people with this cancer get diagnosed before it spreads beyond their glands.
According to doctors, even discussions around the topic remain limited due to societal stigma surrounding men’s health issues. “This reluctance to speak openly about prostate health and cancer symptoms often prevents men from seeking early diagnosis and treatment, which are crucial for successful outcomes,” Dr. Rahul Gupta, Senior Consultant – Urology & Head – Renal Transplant, Sarvodaya Hospital, told Times Now.
“Raising prostate cancer awareness is essential to breaking down these barriers and encouraging men to prioritise their health,” he added.
What causes social stigma around prostate cancer?
Dr. Gupta says one of the key factors contributing to this silence is the fear of vulnerability. “Many men feel that acknowledging health issues, especially those related to reproductive organs, might make them appear weak. This stigma can lead to delayed diagnoses, with some men only seeking medical help when the disease has progressed to a more advanced and difficult-to-treat stage,” he said.
Doctors say prostate cancer awareness initiatives play a pivotal role in changing this narrative by educating men about the importance of routine screenings and the signs to watch for, such as difficulty urinating or frequent urges to urinate, especially at night.
It is also important to emphasize that prostate cancer is treatable when detected early and can empower men to seek help without shame or hesitation.
Breaking the silence around prostate cancer not only saves lives but also strengthens the message that men’s health matters. “Prostate cancer awareness is not just a campaign; it’s a movement toward a healthier, more open approach to men’s health,” he added.
Prostate cancer screening
Screening for prostate cancer involves a prostate-specific antigen or a PSA test and digital rectal examination. “But men feel uncomfortable talking about them,” said Dr. Mohit Saxena - Consultant and HOD Medical Oncology, Manipal Hospital.
“Despite the availability of effective treatments, many men succumb to prostate cancer due to late detection, lack of screening, cultural stigma, limited access to healthcare, and misconceptions about treatment, as many fear the side effects of treatment such as impotence or incontinence. This silence should be broken,” he added.
A few ways to break the social stigma around prostate cancer include:
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions; seek help
- Find a safe space to share; reach out to a doctor, friend, or family member who can maintain privacy and direct the patient to an expert to seek the right help;
- Adopt a healthy lifestyle; exercise regularly; stop smoking
- Get your PSA checked as early as 40 years if there is a family history of prostate cancer or 50 oth catching a condition at an early stage always increases the chances of survival.
What are the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer to take seriously?
Even though early-stage prostate cancer rarely causes symptoms, a few that you may notice include:
- Frequent, sometimes urgent, need to pee, especially at night
- Weak urine flow or flow that starts and stops
- Pain or burning when you pee
- Loss of bladder control
- Loss of bowel control
- Painful ejaculation and erectile dysfunction
- Blood in semen or pee
- Pain in your lower back, hip, or chest
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