Nearly 69 pc of Indian men above 45 unaware of prostate cancer risk factors: Survey

The survey covered 1,036 men aged 45 and above across Delhi-NCR, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana and Maharashtra.

The findings were released as part of an initiative to build consensus on prostate cancer awareness and care in India.

According to the survey, 68.9 per cent of respondents could not name a single risk factor for prostate cancer, while only 13.2 per cent recognised family history as a risk indicator.

Around 75 per cent believed monitoring should begin only at the age of 50 or later, despite the survey indicating 45 as the recommended age to begin discussions, or earlier for those with a family history.

Screening awareness was also low, with 60.8 per cent of respondents unaware of their screening status. Although 31 per cent had heard of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, only 14 per cent had specifically requested it.

Nearly two-thirds of the men surveyed said they underwent routine annual health check-ups, but these did not necessarily include discussions on prostate-specific screening.

Frequent urination was recognised as a possible symptom by around 54 per cent of respondents, while approximately 44 per cent identified weak or interrupted urine flow.

Awareness of pelvic, back, hip and bone-related symptoms was comparatively lower.

Among the reasons cited for not undergoing screening, 34 per cent believed it was unnecessary, around 28 per cent said they had no symptoms and approximately 22 per cent reported that a doctor had not recommended it.

“When nearly seven in 10 men cannot name a single risk factor, the problem starts well before the clinic door. It starts with what is or is not being communicated at the community level,” said Dr Venkata Sampath V, Consultant Medical Oncologist at Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad.

He said risk-factor education in Hyderabad and across Telangana should reach men through family physicians, workplace health camps and neighbourhood pharmacists, rather than relying on them to seek medical attention only after symptoms appear.

Dr Vamshi Krishna M, Director of the Department of Medical Oncology at AIG Hospitals, said the findings highlighted gaps in awareness, particularly regarding family history and its implications for individual risk.

He said greater awareness could help people seek timely evaluation and understand available treatment options if cancer was diagnosed.

Evolving approaches, including radioligand therapy for appropriate patients with advanced prostate cancer, also underlined the importance of informed discussions between patients, families and doctors, he added.

The survey found that 59.5 per cent of respondents were uncomfortable discussing prostate screening or treatment with a doctor, while only around 18 per cent said they would initiate such a conversation themselves. Just 36 per cent correctly identified a urologist as the appropriate specialist for prostate cancer.

The awareness gaps were more pronounced among men aged 65 and above, with uncertainty about screening status rising to around 72 per cent and limited treatment knowledge affecting approximately 80 per cent.

The findings point to the need for targeted awareness initiatives focusing on prostate cancer risk factors, family history, screening discussions and timely consultation with healthcare professionals.

The survey indicated that the gaps observed in Telangana reflected a broader national challenge.