What Every Man Should Know About Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in men today.The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that approximately 232,090 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in 2005. There are four main treatment options for prostate cancer: surgical removal of the prostate, external beam radiation, brachytherapy, and watchful waiting. Treatments are tailored to each person’s needs and medical condition and each option offers different advantages. Several factors can increase your risks for developing prostate cancer. However, having one or several risk factors does not mean that you will get cancer, only that you have a higher risk of development. Knowing your risk factors is your first, and sometimes your best, defense against developing this disease.

Know your risk factors
Prostate Cancer Risk Factors Include:

Age – After age 50 chances of developing prostate cancer increases. Two-thirds of prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over 65 years of age.

Ethnicity – African-American men are diagnosed with prostate cancer 60% more often then other ethnic groups.

Nationality – Prostate cancer is most common in North America and northwestern Europe.

Family history – The risk of developing prostate cancer more than doubles for men who have a father or brother with prostate cancer.

Diet – Men with a diet high in red meat or high-fat dairy products and low in fruits and vegetables have a slightly higher risk of disease development.

Symptoms/Signs: Early prostate cancer usually displays few if any symptoms. The following are possible indicators of prostate cancer problems.

Frequent urination (especially at night)

Inability to urinate

Difficulty starting to urinate or inability to delay urination

Pain during ejaculation

A weak or interrupted urine flow

Pain or burning during urination

Blood in the semen or in the urine

Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs

What you can do…

See your health care provider to discuss a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test and digital rectal examinations (DRE).

Eat a healthy diet low in fat and high in fiber to maintain a healthy body weight.

Discuss your cancer risk factors and family history with your health care provider.