NIMS flags rise in Hyderabad prostate cancer cases
HYDERABAD: Prostate cancer cases are rising among men, with the disease accounting for 6.9% of all cancers in males, according to a study by Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS).
The study analysed cancer cases reported at government and private hospitals from 2015 onwards. Experts linked the increase to changes in diet and lifestyle, including high fat intake, consumption of ultra-processed food, and inadequate intake of fruits and vegetables.
Key symptoms to watch for early detection
Doctors said common symptoms include blood in urine or semen, pink or red-coloured urine, frequent urination at night, difficulty in passing urine, lower abdominal pain, and a persistent feeling of incomplete urination.
Risk factors include lifestyle and family history
NIMS experts said obesity, diabetes, smoking, and alcohol consumption contribute to the risk. Men with a family history of prostate cancer have higher chances of developing the disease.
They advised men above 40–45 years to take precautions and undergo annual Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood tests for early detection.
Case distribution and prevalence data
The study found that 9 out of every 1,00,000 men are at risk of prostate cancer. Among patients visiting urban hospitals, 30–40% cases are detected at an advanced stage, while 60–70% are identified at an early stage.
Among cancers in men, oral and throat cancers account for 15.3%, lung cancer 9.7%, colorectal cancer 8.8%, prostate cancer 6.9%, stomach cancer 6.2%, and other cancers 53.1%.
