Half knowledge about any cancer could be dangerous. This might lead to prejudices and false
beliefs about cancer, its treatment, and its outcome. However, at the same time, one cannot
afford to know everything. So, my suggestion would be to have an open mind without any
preconceptions about cancer while meeting your doctor.
In this session, let's discuss a few misconceptions amongst us related to prostate cancer.

Myth 1: A high PSA level means prostate cancer.

PSA or prostate-specific antigen is a normal protein produced by the prostate gland in men.
In normal circumstances, its level could mildly increase in men after sex, ejaculation, or any
manipulation of the prostate gland. And, you would probably be surprised to know that it
might also elevate in men who have severe constipation. Prostate infections and benign
hyperplasia of the prostate, seen commonly amongst elderly men, are other causes for raised
PSA levels in the body.
So, the next time when you see an elevated PSA level, don't be irrationally worried. Instead,
talk to your family doctor. It could most likely be a benign cause.
My request to the public would be to stop testing for PSA routinely unless your doctor has
instructed you to do so.

Myth 2: Only elderly men get prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer indeed affects elderly men. The risk of developing prostate cancer increases
as age advances. However, a small percentage of young men are also affected by prostate
cancer. The reason for this could be a genetic mutation, or in some men, hereditary. Unlike
prostate cancer which we see amongst the elderly, the outcome of young men affected by
prostate cancer is not always good.

Myth 3:Prostate cancer is always slow-growing.

This is not entirely false. Prostate cancer is one of the slow-growing cancers in men. It may
take many years for cancer to grow and cause any symptoms. As a matter of fact, in very
elderly prostate cancer patients who have early-stage cancer, the doctors might even take a
'wait and see' policy. Having said that, not all prostate cancer men follow the same path.
Sometimes the biology of cancer could change internally, making its course faster and
aggressive. In medical terms, it is called de-differentiation of prostate cancer. Therefore,
routine follow-up checks are essential as per the guidance of your treating doctor.

Myth 4: Surgery is the only treatment for prostate cancer.

Surgical removal of prostate cancer is one of the treatments to cure prostate cancer. Robotic
instruments available now make these surgeries less complicated with fewer days spent in the
hospital. But what if one does not wish to go for surgery. For them, is there an equally

effective way to cure? The answer is fortunately yes. It is hormonal therapy and radiation
treatment. Various studies have shown us that both surgery and radiation treatments have
equal cure rates. However, both surgery and radiation treatment have different side effect
profiles. Therefore, talk to both your surgical oncologist and radiation oncologist separately
before making your decision. It is preferred if both your surgical and radiation oncologists
have expertise in managing prostate cancer.