Early detection of cancerous as well as non cancerous prostatic enlargement is very important, as it can give total cure and avoid lot of cancer related problems, according to Dr Jayesh V Dhabalia, head, department of urology, Sheth G S Medical College and KEM Hospital, Parel, Mumbai. The early detection of the disease would reduce the cost of treatment and also lead to better disease control, he added.

"Fortunately cancer detection is reasonably accurate, easy and non expensive with two important tools namely digital rectal examination (DRE) and a cancer maker blood test serum prostate specific antigen (PSA). Also, screening, i.e., checking for cancer in normal persons above 45 to 50 years of age may be beneficial, especially with history of cancer of prostate in the family," he added.

Prostate cancer, which is the fourth most common cancer find in males, commonly produces urinary problems like frequent urination, straining to pass urine, decreased force and splaying of urine. With the progress of the disease, urine may be completely blocked, ultimately affecting kidneys.

The prostatic enlargement may be non cancerous, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or due to cancer of prostate. Unfortunately both produce similar symptoms and further tests are needed to differentiate them.

In patients with BPH early detection and treatment with oral medicines may obviate the need for surgery indefinitely or at least for time being. Both cancerous and non cancerous prostatic enlargement has some genetic/familial basis. First degree relatives of young patients are more likely to develop the disease.

"Without treatment continuous overwork by urine bag to pump urine through passage obstructed by prostate may cause irreversible damage to urinary system, making a curable disease incurable or difficult to treat. Often other associated medical problems like diabetes, heart diseases, asthma, hypertension etc are present in up to 70 per cent patients making treatment more difficult. Hence early detection and treatment is cost effective and key to good health for this old age disease," noted, Dr Jayesh V Dhabalia.