States » SouthPosted at: Oct 15 2026 7:52PM


Nearly 69 pc of Indian men above 45 unaware of prostate cancer risk factors: Survey

Hyderabad, Oct. 15 (UNI): Nearly seven in 10 Indian men aged 45 and above cannot identify a single risk factor for prostate cancer, while only around one in six have ever undergone screening, according to a national survey conducted by the Heal Foundation.
The survey covered 1,036 men aged 45 and above across Delhi-NCR, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana and Maharashtra.
Its findings were released as part of an initiative to build consensus on prostate cancer awareness and care in India.
According to the survey, 68.9 per cent of respondents could not name any prostate cancer risk factor, while only 13.2 per cent recognised family history as a risk indicator. Around 75 per cent believed monitoring should begin only at the age of 50 or later, despite the survey recommending discussions about monitoring from 45, or earlier for those with a family history of the disease.
The findings indicate that limited awareness of risk factors, screening and early medical consultation remains a concern nationally, including in Telangana.
Only around one in six respondents said they had ever been screened for prostate cancer, while 60.8 per cent were unaware of their own screening status.
Although 31 per cent had heard of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, only 14 per cent had specifically requested it.
Nearly two-thirds of respondents said they underwent routine annual health check-ups, but such check-ups did not necessarily include discussions about prostate-specific screening.
Frequent urination was recognised by approximately 54 per cent of respondents, while around 44 per cent identified weak or interrupted urine flow.
Awareness of pelvic, back, hip and bone-related symptoms was comparatively lower.
Asked why they had not undergone screening, 34 per cent said they believed it was unnecessary, around 28 per cent cited the absence of symptoms and approximately 22 per cent said their doctors had not recommended it.
“When nearly seven in 10 men cannot name a single risk factor, the problem starts well before the clinic door. It starts with what is or is not being communicated at the community level,” said Dr Venkata Sampath V, Consultant Medical Oncologist at Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad.
He said risk-factor education in Hyderabad and across Telangana needed to reach men through family physicians, workplace health camps and neighbourhood pharmacists, rather than relying on them to seek medical attention only after symptoms appeared.
Dr Vamshi Krishna M, Director, Department of Medical Oncology at AIG Hospitals, said the findings highlighted gaps in awareness, particularly regarding family history and its implications for individual risk.
He said greater awareness was important not only for early evaluation but also for helping patients and families understand treatment options if cancer was diagnosed.
Evolving approaches, including radioligand therapy for eligible patients with advanced prostate cancer, underscored the need for better-informed discussions about care, he added.
The survey also found that 59.5 per cent of respondents were uncomfortable discussing prostate screening or treatment with a doctor, while only around 18 per cent said they would initiate such a conversation themselves. Just 36 per cent correctly identified a urologist as the appropriate specialist for prostate cancer.
Awareness gaps were more pronounced among men aged 65 and above, with uncertainty about screening status rising to around 72 per cent and limited treatment knowledge affecting approximately 80 per cent.
The findings highlight the need for targeted awareness initiatives focusing on risk factors, family history, appropriate screening discussions and consultations with healthcare professionals.
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Tags: #Nearly 69 pc of Indian men above 45 unaware of prostate cancer risk factors: Survey
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