Hyderabad: Prostate cancer is more than simply a medical problem; it has far-reaching consequences for a man’s mental well-being, family, and society as a whole. However, with the guidance and support of healthcare professionals, these challenges can be effectively managed.
Prostate cancer bears a huge societal stigma, affecting not just men’s health but also their perceived masculinity because the prostate is a component of the genito-urinary system.
Many men feel compelled to project a strong image, making it difficult for them to openly discuss or seek care for health issues that may be interpreted as a sign of weakness.
Prostate cancer is one such disease that can have a significant social and psychological impact on people affected.
With respect to this, September has been declared Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, aiming to raise awareness and reduce the stigma associated with the condition.
Doctors say that by raising awareness and encouraging men to obtain frequent tests, they hope to not only diagnose the disease early but also lessen the negative societal impact that it often has.
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Speaking to IANS, healthcare professionals emphasise the importance of educating the public on this issue, given that prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men, which are diagnosed in the later stages and has become a cause of concern.
“Prostate cancer is often regarded as a silent killer because the symptoms can remain hidden for years, which is why early detection is crucial. The stigma surrounding prostate health stems from a lack of open discussions. Many men mistakenly associate issues like urinary problems or sexual dysfunction with a loss of masculinity, which prevents them from seeking medical help. We need to break this stigma by encouraging men to get regular screenings after the age of 50, or earlier if they have a family history of prostate cancer,” said P. Venkatasimha, Senior Consultant Medical and Haemato Oncologist, Kamineni Hospital.
“It is essential to create awareness about how treatable prostate cancer can be if detected early. Advances in medical technology, including robotic surgeries and precision radiation, have significantly improved the prognosis for prostate cancer patients. However, the fear of being diagnosed, combined with societal pressures on men to stay silent about health issues, prevents many from seeking timely medical advice. Our goal during this Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is to dispel the myths and provide accurate information about treatment options,” added Rajesh Kumar Reddy Adapala, Consultant Uro-Oncologist, Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology.
Francis Sridhar Katumalla, Consultant Urologist, Andrologist and Kidney Transplant Surgeon, KIMS Hospitals, Kondapur, thinks that beyond the physical challenges, prostate cancer often has a psychological impact on patients and their families.
“Men are conditioned to believe that showing vulnerability, especially regarding sexual health, is a sign of weakness. This not only causes emotional strain but can also affect their relationships. Psychological support is just as important as medical treatment. Counselling and support groups can play a vital role in helping patients and their families cope with the emotional toll of cancer. We need to foster an environment where men feel safe to discuss these issues openly,” said Sridhar Katumalla.
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–IANS
