By Dr. Venkata Boppana B, Consultant in Urology and Uro-Oncology at Narayana Health, Kolkata.
Once considered uncommon in India, prostate cancer is now emerging as a significant health threat among men, particularly in urban areas. An increasing number of prostate cancer diagnoses are being reported in India, in men in their early 50s.
According to Dr. Venkata Boppana B, Consultant in Urology and Uro-Oncology at Narayana Health, Kolkata, a recent study presented at the Urological Society of India in 2025 shows a clear upward trend in the prostate cancer diagnosis among men aged between 50 to 55. The age-standardised incidence rate (ASIR), which measures the number of new cases per 1,00,000 men, is expected to rise from 7.41 in 2022 to 9.15 by 2031.
Family History and Genetic Risk
Genetics remains one of the primary risk factors for prostate cancer. Men with a first-degree relative, such as a father or a brother, who has been diagnosed with the disease have a significantly higher risk. For these individuals, Dr. Boppana emphasizes that screening isn’t optional – it is essential. However, genetics does not explain the rise.
Urban Lifestyles and Their Impact
The increase in prostate cancer cases is particularly noticeable in India’s urban hubs. Cities have become hotspots for lifestyle-related health issues, and prostate cancer is proving to be no exception. Long hours behind a desk, little to no physical activity, and constant stress have become the norm.
Dr. Boppana warns that this sedentary lifestyle, accompanied by high stress levels, can affect hormone regulation, potentially increasing the risk of prostate cancer.
In addition to this, dietary shifts are responsible for shifting the tide as well. Meals dominated by red meat, dairy products, and fats have increasingly replaced the traditional Indian diets, which were typically rich in fibre and plant-based foods. Studies suggest a strong correlation between high-fat, low-fibre diets and increased risk of prostate cancer, adds Dr. Boppana.
Screening and Early Detection
The good news is that awareness around men’s health is improving in India. Conversations about prostate cancer, once surrounded by stigma and silence, are becoming more common. As a result, more men are undergoing screening tests such as the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test and digital rectal exams. These tools allow for earlier diagnosis and significantly better treatment outcomes.
Early detection remains the foundational step of effective prostate cancer management. When identified in the early stages, prostate cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer, with high survival rates. Delayed diagnosis, however, can lead to advanced disease that is far more difficult to manage and may involve aggressive interventions such as hormone therapy.
Steps Toward Prevention
Several modifiable lifestyle choices can help prevent prostate cancer. Dr. Boppana stresses that men must and should prioritize a balanced and healthy diet, engage in regular physical activities, undergo routine screening, and manage their weight and stress. These steps can significantly reduce the risk, even if they don’t eliminate the possibility of getting prostate cancer entirely.