Prevalence and area-specific etiology of prostate cancer (PCa) in Bathinda city, Punjab, India

Prostate cancer appears to be the leading malignant cause of mortality in men, worldwide. However, studies of the specific etiology in the region, referring to socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics, have been sparse. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of PCa in Bathinda city, as well as attest to its causative factors. For this purpose, two distinct groups of study populations were selected. For the PCa prevalence, 150 men (aged above 30 years) were invited to take part in the screening for PCa in the 50 districts of Bathinda city. For area-specific etiology of PCa, 200 PCa post-operative cases were interviewed after surgery regarding their socio-demographic, lifestyle, and disease characteristics. The obtained data were expressed as frequencies and percentages. Findings showed the prevalence of PCa in Bathinda city as 4.67 per cent during the current investigation. As far as area-specific etiology is concerned, the prevalence of PCa was indicated to be an elderly-specific disorder, since 43.7 and 31 per cent of respondents were from 60-70 years of age and 70-80 years, respectively. In addition, 61 per cent of respondents were from middle-income groups. Regarding lifestyle practices, practice of ordinary plastic containers, drinking untreated water, and consumption of unsafe vegetables and milk among respondents were higher. Disease characteristics showed that family history of PCa at 13 per cent. Most respondents (72%) reported that disease onset was gradual. It may be summarized that aging and genetic factors are considered unavoidable factors for PCa occurrence, however, aspects of lifestyle may be, improved to prevent PCa.