A sharp rise in prostate cancer cases among Hyderabad men, often detected too late, has prompted doctors to call for widespread screening and lifestyle changes to curb the growing threat.
Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) reports that prostate cancer now makes up 6.9 per cent of all male cancers in the city. Telangana could see more than 21,252 new male cancer cases this year, but screening rates hover below 4 per cent.
Rising obesity, smoking, high-fat diets, and diabetes are major culprits, experts say. Men often ignore early signs like trouble urinating, weak stream, or pain in the pelvis, mistaking them for ageing.
Many reach hospitals at Stage 4, where survival chances fall sharply to 35 per cent nationally.
“Early prostate cancer grows slowly, giving us a real shot at cure through simple tests,” said Dr Nikhil Suresh Ghadyalpatil, Director of Medical Oncology at Apollo Health City, Jubilee Hills. He recommends PSA blood tests and rectal exams starting at age 50.
Key risks include getting older, family history, inactivity, and junk food. In Hyderabad, 1 in 8 people face a lifetime cancer risk from birth to 74, part of India’s projected 705,000 cancer deaths in 2026.
Simple fixes include PSA tests, healthy eating with more veggies, and regular exercise, Dr Ghadyalpatil advised.
“We must push awareness campaigns and link screening to routine visits,” said an anonymous NIMS oncologist. Such steps could save lives.
Hyderabad’s prostate cancer spike signals an urgent need for action—early detection and better habits can turn the tide for men’s health in the city.
