Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that arises in the prostate gland. The prostate is a tiny gland in boys and men, about the size of a small nut. The prostate is situated below the bladder, which is the hollow organ responsible for storing urine, and it is positioned in front of the rectum, which is the final part of the intestines.
Let’s explore prostate cancer in detail, including the associated treatment options and their costs.
The prostate gland plays a vital role in the male reproductive system by producing seminal fluid, which nourishes and helps transport sperm during ejaculation.
Positioned around the urethra—a tube responsible for expelling both urine and semen—the prostate’s location is crucial. Any issues affecting the prostate can lead to disruptions in both urinary and sexual functions in men.
Prostate Cancer Overview
Prostate cancer develops when certain prostate cells grow uncontrollably, forming a mass or tumor. Some cases progress slowly and pose minimal risk, while others are aggressive, potentially spreading to other parts of the body and causing significant health concerns.
Key Statistics
- Prevalence: Prostate cancer ranks among the top ten cancers affecting men in India, accounting for 5-7% of all male cancer cases (National Cancer Registry).
- Incidence Rate: Approximately 9-10 cases per 100,000 men. The incidence is expected to increase with improved diagnostics and longer life expectancy.
- Age Factor: Primarily affects men over 50, with most diagnoses in those over 65.
- Geographical Variation: Urban areas report higher rates than rural areas, likely due to lifestyle factors and easier access to healthcare. Major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai have higher case counts.
- Mortality Rate: Although the mortality rate is lower compared to other cancers, prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death among older men due to late diagnosis and limited access to advanced treatment.
- Survival Rate: Early detection offers a 5-year survival rate of over 90%, while advanced cases see rates around 30-40%, heavily depending on the stage at diagnosis.
Risk Factors
- Age: The strongest risk factor, with risk increasing with age.
- Family History: Men with a family history of prostate cancer have higher risk.
- Lifestyle: Sedentary habits, high-fat diets, and obesity contribute to risk.
- Genetic Factors: Certain mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, increase the likelihood of aggressive prostate cancer.
Types of Prostate Cancer
- Adenocarcinoma (Most Common): Arises in prostate gland cells that produce sperm-nourishing fluid. Generally slow-growing and treatable with regular monitoring.
Rare Types: These include small cell carcinoma, transitional cell carcinoma, neuroendocrine tumors, and sarcomas, often requiring different treatment approaches.
What are the costs of Prostate Cancer Treatment in India?
Costs vary based on treatment type, hospital, and city. Below is an overview of typical costs across metropolitan areas, though actual expenses may vary based on the facility, specialist expertise, and patient needs.
| Treatment Option | Description | Estimated Cost (INR) | Common Locations |
| Close Supervision/Active Surveillance | Regular check-ups and PSA tests | ₹15,000 – ₹30,000 per year | Available in most cities |
| Surgery (Radical Prostatectomy) | Open Surgery | ₹2,00,000 – ₹3,00,000 | Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad |
| Laparoscopic Surgery | ₹2,50,000 – ₹4,00,000 | Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad | |
| Robotic-Assisted Surgery | ₹5,00,000 – ₹8,00,000 | Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad | |
| Radiation Therapy | External Beam Radiation (EBRT) | ₹1,50,000 – ₹3,00,000 | Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Pune |
| Brachytherapy | ₹2,50,000 – ₹5,00,000 | Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Pune | |
| Hormone Therapy | Monthly medication or injections | ₹20,000 – ₹50,000 per month | Widely available across metropolitan cities |
| Chemotherapy | Per cycle (depending on drug type) | ₹60,000 – ₹1,50,000 per cycle | Available in all metropolitan cities |
| Immunotherapy | Treatment duration and drugs vary | ₹5,00,000 – ₹15,00,000 | Advanced oncology centers in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore |
| Targeted Therapy | Based on drug used and number of cycles | ₹2,00,000 – ₹5,00,000 | Major centers in Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Bangalore |
Prostate Cancer Treatment Costs by City
| City | Estimated Treatment Cost (Range) |
| Delhi | ₹2,00,000 – ₹10,00,000 |
| Mumbai | ₹2,50,000 – ₹12,00,000 |
| Bangalore | ₹2,00,000 – ₹10,00,000 |
| Chennai | ₹2,00,000 – ₹9,00,000 |
| Hyderabad | ₹1,80,000 – ₹8,50,000 |
| Pune | ₹1,80,000 – ₹8,00,000 |
| Kolkata | ₹1,70,000 – ₹7,00,000 |
How long is the stay period in India and at the hospital for Prostate Cancer Surgery?
For prostate cancer surgery, patients typically stay in the hospital for about 3-5 days post-surgery, depending on their recovery progress and the type of procedure performed (such as open surgery, laparoscopic, or robotic-assisted surgery). After discharge, patients are usually advised to stay in India for another 1-2 weeks for follow-up appointments and to monitor for any early post-operative complications, such as infection or urinary issues.
