Hyderabad, Apr 6 (TNT): Delayed diagnosis and low screening rates are contributing to a growing prostate cancer burden in Hyderabad, with experts warning that late detection is leading to poorer outcomes among patients.
According to data from Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) , prostate cancer accounts for nearly 6.9 per cent of all cancers among men in the city.
Across Telangana, over 21,252 new cancer cases in men are projected in 2026, contributing to an estimated 46,762 cases overall.
Despite the rising incidence, screening rates remain below 4 per cent, resulting in many cases being diagnosed at advanced stages, where survival chances are significantly lower.
Doctors attribute the trend to lifestyle factors such as high consumption of processed foods, obesity, diabetes and smoking, along with lack of awareness about early symptoms like frequent urination, weak urinary flow and pelvic discomfort, which are often dismissed as signs of ageing.
Medical experts said a large proportion of patients are presenting at stage 4, with advanced cases associated with high fatality rates. Hyderabad’s lifetime cancer risk is now estimated at 1 in 8 for individuals aged 0–74, highlighting the growing public health concern.
Nikhil Suresh Ghadyalpatil, Director of Medical Oncology at Apollo Health City, said prostate cancer can often be detected early and treated effectively if screening is adopted as a routine practice.
He emphasised that men above 50 years and those with risk factors should undergo timely screening, noting that early detection can significantly improve outcomes and reduce the burden of advanced disease.
Experts said improving awareness, integrating screening into routine healthcare and encouraging early medical consultation are key to addressing the rising trend of prostate cancer in the city and beyond.
TNT TS
Leave a Reply