Assessing the Increasing Incidence of Prostate Cancer in Urban Delhi: Risk Factors, Early Detection, and Treatment Challenges

Year : 2025 | Volume : 03 | Issue : 02 | Page : 21 28
    By

    Eric Kwasi Elliason,

  • Atul Khajuria,

  • Stephen Monday,

  • J. Samuel Kamanda,

  1. Teaching Assistant, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Punjab, India
  2. , Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Punjab, India
  3. Teaching Assistant, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Punjab, India
  4. Teaching Assistant, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Punjab, India

Abstract

Background: Prostate cancer has emerged as the second most prevalent cancer among men in India, with rapidly increasing incidence rates in urban areas like Delhi. This rise is attributed to urbanization, lifestyle changes (high-fat diets, tobacco use, sedentary behavior), increased life expectancy, and improved diagnostics. Despite its growing burden, low awareness, limited screening programs, and treatment barriers hinder early detection and effective management. This study examines the epidemiological trends, risk factors, and systemic challenges in prostate cancer care in Delhi to inform targeted public health interventions. Objective: To assess the increasing incidence of prostate cancer in urban Delhi by analyzing risk factors, evaluating early detection practices, and identifying treatment barriers to guide policy and interventions. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 500 prostate cancer patients (purposively sampled) and 500 age-matched controls (stratified random sampling). Data were collected via questionnaires, interviews, and medical records, and analyzed using SPSS (descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, logistic regression) and NVivo (thematic analysis). Results: (1) Risk Factors: High tobacco use (60% smokeless, 50% smoking), sedentary lifestyles (70%), and high-fat diets (50%) were prevalent among patients. (2) Awareness: Only 30% of patients and 10% of controls knew about PSA testing; symptom awareness (e.g., difficulty urinating) was higher in patients (90%) than in controls (36%). (3) Screening: Post-campaign screening participation rose from 12 to 40%, though financial constraints (50–60%) and cultural stigma (30%) persisted. (4) Treatment Challenges: Cost (50% patients, 60% controls) and limited healthcare access hindered timely care. Conclusion: The study highlights the urgent need for multifaceted interventions, targeted awareness campaigns, subsidized screening, lifestyle modifications, and stigma reduction to address the rising prostate cancer burden in Delhi. Policy efforts must prioritize equitable access to early detection and treatment to improve outcomes.

Keywords: Prostate cancer, urban health disparities, risk factors, early detection, screening barriers, treatment access, public health interventions, India

[This article belongs to International Journal of Oncological Nursing and Practices ]

How to cite this article:
Eric Kwasi Elliason, Atul Khajuria, Stephen Monday, J. Samuel Kamanda. Assessing the Increasing Incidence of Prostate Cancer in Urban Delhi: Risk Factors, Early Detection, and Treatment Challenges. International Journal of Oncological Nursing and Practices. 2025; 03(02):21-28.
How to cite this URL:
Eric Kwasi Elliason, Atul Khajuria, Stephen Monday, J. Samuel Kamanda. Assessing the Increasing Incidence of Prostate Cancer in Urban Delhi: Risk Factors, Early Detection, and Treatment Challenges. International Journal of Oncological Nursing and Practices. 2025; 03(02):21-28. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/ijonnp/article=2025/view=235475


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 03
Issue 02
Received 01/10/2025
Accepted 27/10/2025
Published 03/11/2025
Publication Time 33 Days
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