Common symptoms
- Often no symptoms in the early stages
- Urinary symptoms similar to an enlarged prostate
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Bone pain, especially in the back or hips, in advanced disease
- Unexplained weight loss in advanced disease
What is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer starts in the cells of the prostate gland. It is one of the most common cancers in men, especially after the age of 60. Many prostate cancers grow slowly, while some are more aggressive. Finding it early gives the best chance of cure.
Risk factors
- Increasing age, especially over 50
- A family history of prostate, breast or ovarian cancer
- Certain inherited gene changes (such as BRCA mutations)
How is prostate cancer diagnosed?
- PSA blood test
- Digital rectal examination of the prostate
- MRI of the prostate (mpMRI), to identify suspicious areas
- Prostate biopsy, to confirm the diagnosis and grade the cancer
- Staging scans such as a bone scan, CT or PSMA PET scan, when needed
Treatment options
Treatment is planned according to the stage and grade of the cancer, your age, overall health and preferences. Decisions are ideally made together with a multidisciplinary team.
- Active surveillance: careful monitoring of selected low-risk cancers, with treatment only if the cancer shows signs of progressing.
- Radical prostatectomy: surgical removal of the prostate, which can be done by laparoscopic or robot-assisted keyhole surgery.
- Radiotherapy, alone or with hormone therapy.
- Hormone therapy and other systemic treatments for cancer that has spread.
Laparoscopic and robotic uro-oncology is a focus of Dr. Sai Bharath’s surgical practice.
When to see a urologist
See a urologist if you have a raised PSA, an abnormal prostate examination, blood in the urine or semen, or a strong family history of prostate cancer.
Treatments offered
- Active surveillance for selected low-risk cancers
- Radical prostatectomy (open, laparoscopic or robot-assisted)
- Radiotherapy, in coordination with radiation oncology
- Hormone therapy and other systemic treatments for advanced disease
Frequently asked questions
Should I get a PSA test?
PSA testing has benefits and limitations. Men over 50, or over 45 with a family history of prostate cancer, should discuss PSA testing with a urologist, who can explain what the result means in their situation.
Does a high PSA mean I have cancer?
No. PSA can also be raised by an enlarged prostate, infection or inflammation. A high PSA usually leads to further assessment, which may include repeating the test, an MRI of the prostate and, if needed, a biopsy.
What is robotic radical prostatectomy?
It is removal of the prostate for cancer using a robot-assisted keyhole technique. Compared with open surgery, it typically involves smaller cuts, less blood loss and a shorter hospital stay. Whether it is right for you depends on the stage of the cancer and your overall health.
This page is general information and not a substitute for a consultation. Every patient is different, and the right treatment depends on an individual assessment.