What You Should Know
Prostate cancer is diagnosed in over 220,900 American men annually. Each year, 28,900 men will die of their disease, making prostate cancer the second leading cancer death in men. While the mortality rate has been declining among both Caucasian and African-American men since the early 1990s, the rate is still twice as high in the latter group. One of the keys to success in reducing the number of prostate cancer deaths is prevention. Early detection is integral to that process. An awareness of risk factors, a knowledge of signs of the disease, and adherence to screening guidelines can help reduce your chances of developing this malignancy. Two good places for more information on prostate cancer are the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health at
www.cancer.gov and the American Cancer Society at
www.cancer.org.
Risk Factors
Age: Risk increases significantly after age 50; more than 70% of all men with prostate cancer are diagnosed after age 65.
Race/Ethnicity: Prostate cancer is diagnosed 70% more often in African-Americans than in Caucasians. The malignancy is more common in North America and northwestern Europe compared to South and Central America, Africa, and Asia.
Family History: Risk doubles if a man has a father or brother with prostate cancer. Risk increases further with more diagnosed relatives, particularly if their disease was diagnosed at an early age.
Diet: While men who consume a diet high in either red meat or high-fat dairy products appear to have an increased risk of developing prostate cancer, studies are inconclusive if these diets are the cause. These men usually have diets low in fruits and vegetables, which alternatively may be the reason for their increased risk.
Physical Activity: Research suggests that physical activity and a healthy weight may reduce risk.
Adapted from the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org) and the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health (www.cancer.gov). Please visit these Web sites for complete information.
Possible Signs of Prostate Cancer
- elevated blood levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA)
- abnormal digital rectal examination (DRE)
- frequent urination
- slow or weak urinary stream
- bloody urine (hematuria)
- impotence
- hip, pelvic bone, rib, or spinal pain
Adapted from the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org) and the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health (www.cancer.gov). Please visit these Web sites for complete information.
Screening Guidelines
Below are the prostate cancer screening guidelines that were developed by the American Cancer Society (
www.cancer.org). You can use this information to discuss your own screening option with your physician.
