Everything you need to know about prostate cancer — from early warning signs and risk factors to screening, treatment options, and life after diagnosis — explained clearly by Dr. Aditya Sarin.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Every case of prostate cancer is different. Please consult Dr Aditya Sarin or a qualified oncologist for evaluation, diagnosis and a treatment plan specific to your condition.
#1
Most common cancer in men (excluding skin)
~100%
5-year survival at localised stage
6
Types requiring personalised approach
1 in 8
Men develop it in their lifetime
Early detection saves lives. Regular PSA screening significantly improves outcomes and treatment success. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Aditya Sarin today.
Section 01
What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is a disease in which cells in the prostate gland — a small walnut-shaped gland that sits below the bladder in men — grow uncontrollably. It is one of the most common cancers affecting men worldwide, and it typically grows slowly, though some forms are aggressive and spread quickly.
Most prostate cancers begin in the gland cells that produce seminal fluid. In its early stages, the cancer is usually confined to the prostate itself and often causes no symptoms, which is part of why screening plays such an important role in catching the disease early.
Section 02
Types of Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is not a single disease. Understanding the specific type and its behaviour is essential to designing the most effective treatment plan. Dr. Aditya Sarin evaluates each case individually to determine the precise type and appropriate course of action.
95%+ of cases
ACA — Adenocarcinoma
The most common form of prostate cancer, accounting for over 95% of cases, developing in the gland cells that line the prostate.
Localised
Localised Prostate Cancer
Confined to the prostate gland, with no evidence of spread beyond the organ.
Locally Advanced
Locally Advanced
Has grown beyond the prostate into nearby tissue, but has not spread to distant sites.
Metastatic
Metastatic Prostate Cancer
Spread to distant organs, most commonly the bones, and sometimes the lymph nodes, lungs, or liver.
CSPC
Castration-Sensitive Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer that still responds to hormone-lowering treatment, also called androgen deprivation therapy.
CRPC
Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Cancer that continues to grow despite hormone-lowering treatment, requiring a change in treatment approach.
Rare Subtypes
Small Cell, Transitional Cell & Sarcoma
Rarer subtypes including small cell carcinoma, transitional cell carcinoma, and sarcoma of the prostate behave differently and require specialised evaluation.
Section 03
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Early-stage prostate cancer frequently causes no symptoms at all, which is why many cases are first detected through a routine PSA blood test rather than through how a patient feels. When symptoms do appear, they can include the following.
Difficulty starting or stopping urination
A weak or interrupted urine stream
Frequent urination, particularly at night
Blood in the urine or semen
Erectile dysfunction
Discomfort or pain in the pelvic area
Unexplained back, hip, or bone pain (may indicate advanced disease)
Note: Many of these symptoms overlap with non-cancerous conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), so any new urinary symptom should be evaluated by a doctor rather than assumed to be cancer.
Section 04
Causes & Risk Factors
While the exact cause of prostate cancer is not fully understood, several factors are known to increase the likelihood of developing it. Being aware of your risk profile allows for earlier and more targeted screening.
Age
Risk rises sharply after age 50, and most cases are diagnosed in men over 65.
Genetics & Family History
A father or brother with prostate cancer roughly doubles risk. BRCA1, BRCA2, and Lynch syndrome mutations are linked to more aggressive disease.
Race & Ethnicity
Prostate cancer occurs more frequently, and tends to be more aggressive, in men of African descent.
Diet & Lifestyle
Obesity and other modifiable lifestyle factors have been associated with more aggressive disease at diagnosis.
Having one or more risk factors does not mean a man will develop prostate cancer, and many men diagnosed with the disease have no identifiable risk factor beyond age.
Section 05
Prostate Cancer Screening & Early Detection
Early detection dramatically improves treatment outcomes. When prostate cancer is found at an early stage, treatment is more effective, less intensive, and survival rates are significantly higher. The following screening methods are recommended based on individual risk profiles.
PSA Blood Test
Measures prostate-specific antigen levels in the blood. The USPSTF recommends an individual decision about periodic screening for men aged 55 to 69, or earlier for higher-risk men.
Digital Rectal Examination
A physical examination allowing the doctor to feel for abnormalities in the prostate gland, often performed alongside a PSA test.
Prostate MRI
Detailed imaging used to evaluate an elevated PSA result or guide biopsy, particularly useful for higher-risk patients.
Prostate Biopsy
Tissue sampling to confirm a cancer diagnosis and determine the Gleason score, typically following an elevated PSA or an abnormal MRI finding.
An elevated PSA level does not confirm cancer. Benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, and even recent ejaculation can raise PSA levels — an elevated result typically leads to further evaluation rather than an automatic cancer diagnosis.
Section 06
Stages of Prostate Cancer
Staging describes how far the cancer has spread and directly determines the treatment approach. The most widely used system is the American Joint Committee on Cancer TNM system, which considers tumour size, lymph node involvement, and distant metastasis — as well as the Gleason score and PSA level at diagnosis. This staging guidance is current as of 2026.
Stage
What it means
Stage I
Cancer confined to the prostate, generally small, with a low Gleason score and PSA level.
Stage II
Cancer still confined to the prostate but larger, or with a higher Gleason score or PSA level than Stage I.
Stage III
Locally advanced cancer that may have grown beyond the prostate into nearby tissue, or shows high-risk PSA or Gleason features, without distant spread.
Stage IV
Cancer that has spread to nearby lymph nodes or to distant organs, most commonly the bones, and in some cases the lungs or liver.
The Gleason score, based on how abnormal the cancer cells look under a microscope, and the Grade Group derived from it, are combined with the anatomic TNM stage to produce an overall prognostic stage. These biological factors influence prognosis and treatment choice as much as anatomic spread does.
Survival statistics are population averages. They describe outcomes across large groups of patients and do not predict what will happen to any individual patient.
The gap between India's population-based and hospital-based figures — and between India and the United States overall — is closely linked to stage at diagnosis. National registry data indicate that only 10 to 20 percent of Indian prostate cancer patients present with organ-confined disease, compared with 75 to 85 percent of patients in the United States and Europe during the PSA-screening era, largely due to the absence of organised population-wide screening in India.
Section 08
Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer
Treatment is always tailored to the individual, based on the stage, Gleason grade, PSA level, and the patient's overall health. Dr. Aditya Sarin develops a comprehensive, personalised treatment plan for every patient.
Active Surveillance
Regular PSA testing, imaging, and biopsies to monitor slow-growing, low-risk cancer without immediate treatment.
Surgery
Radical prostatectomy removes the entire prostate gland, typically for localised disease.
Radiation Therapy
External beam radiation or brachytherapy, used alone or alongside other treatments.
Hormone Therapy
Androgen deprivation therapy lowers testosterone, which fuels most prostate cancers — standard for advanced or recurrent disease.
Chemotherapy
Used for cancer that has become castration-resistant or has spread widely.
Targeted Therapy
Drugs that act on specific molecular features of the tumour, such as PARP inhibitors for BRCA-mutated cancers.
Immunotherapy
An option for select cases, generally in advanced disease.
Radioligand Therapy
PSMA-targeted radioactive treatment for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.
Section 09
Latest Advances in Prostate Cancer Treatment
Prostate cancer treatment has changed meaningfully in the past year, particularly for patients whose tumours carry specific genetic markers. As of 2026, notable developments include the following.
1
FDA Approval · June 12, 2026 · PTEN-Deficient
A first targeted treatment for PTEN-deficient disease
On June 12, 2026, the FDA approved capivasertib in combination with abiraterone and prednisone for adults with metastatic, androgen pathway modulation-naive or -sensitive prostate cancer whose tumours are PTEN-deficient, identified through an FDA-authorised companion diagnostic test. This is the first targeted treatment approved specifically for this biomarker-defined group.
Expanded precision therapy for BRCA2-mutated disease
On December 12, 2025, the FDA approved niraparib and abiraterone acetate (marketed as Akeega) with prednisone for adults with BRCA2-mutated metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer. In the supporting Phase 3 AMPLITUDE trial, the combination reduced the risk of disease progression by 54 percent compared with standard of care in this biomarker-defined group.
On June 10, 2026, the FDA approved the first generic version of gallium-68 gozetotide, a PSMA-targeted PET imaging agent used to detect prostate-specific membrane antigen-positive lesions for initial staging and suspected recurrence. This is expected to improve access to this imaging technique and reduce its cost.
Whether any of these developments apply to a given patient depends on tumour genetics, biomarker testing, and prior treatment history, and should be discussed directly with an oncologist.
Section 10
Living with Prostate Cancer
A prostate cancer diagnosis affects not just physical health but emotional well-being and quality of life. Comprehensive support — from rehabilitation to counselling — is an integral part of care at every stage of the journey.
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Specialised rehabilitation to manage urinary incontinence and support recovery after treatment.
Counselling & Support Groups
Professional emotional support and peer groups for patients and families navigating diagnosis and treatment.
Nutrition & Lifestyle
Personalised dietary and exercise guidance to rebuild strength, support recovery, and manage side effects.
Section 11
Why Early Detection Matters
Early detection is the single most powerful tool we have against prostate cancer. A conversation with your doctor today can change everything tomorrow.
— Dr. Aditya Sarin, Medical Oncologist
Localised prostate cancer has a 5-year relative survival rate close to 100% with appropriate treatment.
Early-stage cancers are more likely to qualify for active surveillance, avoiding the side effects of immediate treatment.
Elevated PSA levels can signal changes years before symptoms appear.
Men at higher risk — including those of African descent and those with a family history — may benefit from screening conversations starting as early as 40 to 45.
Don't ignore new urinary symptoms — timely evaluation can be life-saving.
Section 12
Frequently Asked Questions about Prostate Cancer
What is the first sign of prostate cancer?
Early prostate cancer often causes no symptoms at all. When symptoms do appear, they commonly involve urinary changes, such as a weak stream, frequent urination, or difficulty starting urination. These symptoms can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions and should be evaluated by a doctor.
Can prostate cancer be cured?
Localized prostate cancer is often highly treatable, with a 5-year relative survival rate close to 100 percent. Metastatic prostate cancer is generally managed as a long-term, chronic condition rather than cured outright, though newer targeted therapies are extending how long patients live with the disease.
At what age should prostate cancer screening start?
For average-risk men, the USPSTF recommends an individual discussion about PSA screening starting at age 55, continuing through age 69. Men with a family history of prostate cancer or of African descent are often advised to have this conversation earlier.
Is prostate cancer hereditary?
Most prostate cancers are not directly inherited, but having a father or brother with the disease roughly doubles a man's risk. Inherited mutations in genes such as BRCA2 are linked to a smaller share of cases but tend to be associated with more aggressive disease.
Does an elevated PSA level always mean cancer?
No. Benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, and other non-cancerous conditions can raise PSA levels. An elevated result typically leads to further evaluation, such as an MRI or biopsy, rather than an automatic cancer diagnosis.
How is the stage of prostate cancer determined?
Stage is determined using the TNM system, which assesses tumour size, lymph node involvement, and distant spread, combined with the Gleason score and PSA level at diagnosis. This is established through imaging, biopsy, and blood tests.
What is the difference between hormone therapy and chemotherapy for prostate cancer?
Hormone therapy lowers testosterone, which fuels most prostate cancers, and is often the first systemic treatment for advanced disease. Chemotherapy uses drugs that kill rapidly dividing cells throughout the body and is generally used once the cancer has become resistant to hormone therapy or has spread more widely.
Why is prostate cancer survival lower in India than in the United States?
This is largely linked to later stage at diagnosis — only 10 to 20 percent of Indian patients present with organ-confined disease compared with 75 to 85 percent in the United States — rather than a difference in how treatable the disease is biologically. The absence of organised population-wide screening in India is a major contributing factor.
What is the best treatment approach for Prostate Cancer in Delhi?
Effective prostate cancer treatment in Delhi combines accurate staging with biomarker testing, including BRCA2 and PTEN status, to match treatment to the individual tumour rather than applying a standard protocol. Dr. Aditya Sarin, ESMO board-certified and trained in precision oncology and cancer genomics, offers this biomarker-driven approach for prostate cancer patients in Delhi.
Section 13 · Why Dr. Aditya Sarin
Why Trust Dr. Aditya Sarin for Prostate Cancer Care?
ESMO Board Certified · Harvard Trained · Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi
Experienced Prostate Cancer Specialist
ESMO Board Certified oncologist with advanced training in precision oncology and cancer genomics from Harvard Medical School.
Advanced Treatment Options
Access to the latest targeted therapies, radioligand therapy, and personalised treatment protocols tailored to your specific prostate cancer profile.
Comprehensive Support
Personalised treatment plans, emotional counselling, rehabilitation, and end-to-end support for patients and their families.
Affordable & Accessible Care
High-quality oncology care with insurance assistance, flexible appointment options, and both in-person and remote consultations.
Mon – Fri (Morning) 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Mon – Fri (Evening) 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Saturday - Sunday Closed
Early Detection Saves Lives
Don't wait for symptoms — schedule your screening today. If you've noticed a change, received a diagnosis, or simply want expert guidance on your prostate health, speak with Dr. Aditya Sarin — a trusted prostate cancer specialist in New Delhi.
