Understanding Common Urological Cancers In Indian Men: Risk Factors And Symptoms

The common urinary tract-related cancers diagnosed in India are Prostate, kidney, Urinary bladder, Testes and Penile cancer

Prostate Cancer:

Risk Factors: Advancing age, family history, and genetic factors play significant roles

Symptoms: Increased urinary frequency, Difficulty starting or stopping urination, Blood in urine or semen

Bladder Cancer:

Risk factors: Dietary habits, lifestyle factors such as smoking and exposure to occupational carcinogens, and chronic bladder infections

Symptoms: Blood in urine, Urinary frequency or urgency, Pain during urination, Back or pelvic pain

Kidney Cancer:

Risk factors: Smoking, obesity, hypertension, and occupational exposure to certain chemicals.

Symptoms: Blood in urine, Persistent pain in the side or lower back, A mass or lump in the side or abdomen

Testicular Cancer :

Risk Factors: Men who are born with undescended testis, certain environmental factors, genetic abnormalities and also prior radiation exposure.

Symptoms: A lump or swelling in the testicle, Heaviness in the scrotum, Pain or discomfort in the testicle or scrotum

Penile Cancer :

Risk factors: Lack of maintenance of local hygiene and also due to exposure to HPV-related infections.

Symptoms: Non-healing ulcer or sore on the penis, Changes in skin colour or thickness, Abnormal discharge

Inputs from: Dr Santoshi Janardan Nagaonkar Director of Urology, Urological Oncology & Robotic Surgery Sir H N Reliance Foundation Hospital