Across the world, prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. September being observed as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, men have been encouraged to get their prostate checks done. After the age of 40, men should undergo prostate cancer screening every year up to the age of 75 years.

Out of all, the black population has the highest rate of diagnosis of prostate cancer. Urologist Dr Gareth Reid said that there are evidences that prostate cancers diagnosed in black men can be much more aggressive. It has also been found that even with the treatment, the long-term outcome can come out worse than in the Caucasian population.

In early stages, prostate cancer does not show symptoms and only regular checks will find out the truth. As per experts, when the cancer severity increases, it can affect men’s sexual relations and lead to health complications like paralysis, erectile dysfunction, incontinence and blood in urine. In this stage, hormonal therapy can prove beneficial.

But it can prove harmful like cardiovascular health and heart problems, weaker bones, hot flashes and possibility of enlarged breasts, a condition known as gynaecomastia. Therefore, it is being said prevention is better than cure.

To know any problem, it is important to undergo test, which involves a yearly rectal examination and a blood test called the prostate specific antigen (PSA). If the cancer is diagnosed early, it can be cured through surgery or radiation.