Prostate Cancer
STATISTICS
Indiana:
- An estimated 4,890 new cases of prostate cancer are expected in 2006.
- An estimated 570 deaths from prostate cancer are expected in 2006.
- African American men in Indiana experience a significantly greater prostate cancer burden than Caucasian men.
United States:
- An estimated 234,460 new cases of prostate cancer in the United States are expected in 2006.
- An estimated 27,350 deaths from prostate cancer in the United States are expected in 2006.
- Prostate cancer is the 3rd leading cause of cancer death in the US (lung cancer is number one and colorectal cancer is second).
- Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer found in American Men , other than skin cancer.
- 1 man in 34 will die from prostate cancer.
- 1 man in six 6 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime
Other Facts (United States):
- The chances of getting prostate cancer are 1 in 3 if you have a close relative (father, brother) with the disease. The risk is 83% with 2 close relatives and 97% with 3 close relatives.
- African American men have the highest incidence rate of prostate cancer in the world: 1 in 4.
- African American men are 2.5 more times to die from prostate cancer than Caucasian men.
- Obesity is a significant predictor of prostate cancer severity. Men with a body mass index over 32.5, have about 1/3 greater risk of dying from prostate cancer.
RISK FACTORS FOR PROSTATE CANCER
Studies have found that the following risk factors are associated with prostate cancer:
Age - In the United States, prostate cancer is found mainly in men over age 65. The average age of patients at the time of diagnosis is 70. Men should consider testing for prostate cancer at age 50.
Family History - A man's risk for developing prostate cancer is higher if his father or brother has had the disease. If so, a man should consider testing at age 40.
Ethnicity - This disease is much more common in African American men than in white men. African American men are twice as likely to die from prostate cancer than white men. It is less common in Asian and Native American men. African American men should consider testing for prostate cancer at age 40.
Diet and Dietary Factors - Some evidence suggests that a diet high in animal fat may increase the risk of prostate cancer and a diet high in fruits and vegetables may decrease the risk.
Certain Prostate Changes - Having abnormal cells called high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) may increase the risk of prostate cancer.
Note: Many men do not have symptoms during the early stages of prostate cancer.
EARLY DETECTION/SCREENING
At the age of 50 or 40 (for African Americans or men with a family history of prostate cancer), men should talk with their health care provider about prostate cancer screening. This is important in order for men to make an informed decision about getting screened after having an understanding of the benefits and risk associated with prostate cancer screening. The doctor may suggest either of the tests described below.
- Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)Test: A blood sample is collected and sent to a lab that measures the PSA level of protein - PSA in the blood. An elevated PSA level may be an indicator of prostate cancer, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), or infection in the prostate.
- Digital rectal exam: The doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum and feels the prostate through the rectal wall to check for hard or lumpy areas.
PREVENTION OF PROSTATE CANCER
To lower your risk of prostate cancer, we recommend the following:
- Discussing with your Health Care Provider the benefits and risk of prostate cancer screening to make an informed decision about getting screened
- Eating 5-9 fruits /vegetables (especially green leafy vegetables, tomatoes and others that contain lycopene) and drinking plenty of water daily
- Participate in Physical Activity – 30 minutes daily
- Maintain a Healthy Weight
- Taking an aspirin daily (if cleared with your health care provider)
- No smoking or use of tobacco products : Cigars, cigarettes, chewing tobacco
- Limit alcoholic beverages to less than one drink per day
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF PROSTATE CANCER
(Early prostate cancer often does not cause symptoms)
- A need to urinate frequently, especially at night
- Difficulty starting urination or holding back urine
- Inability to urinate
- Weak or interrupted flow of urine
- Painful or burning urination
- Difficulty in having an erection
- Painful ejaculation
- Blood in urine or semen
- Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs
Any of these symptoms may be caused by cancer or by other, less serious health problems, such as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) or an infection. A man who has symptoms like these should see his doctor or an urologist.
TREATMENT FOR PROSTATE CANCER
Prostate Cancer is curable when localized in the prostate gland. If cancer is found, treatment options will depend on a man’s age, his general health, and the tumor’s stage (size and location). Not all patients receive treatment, but are followed closely (“watchful waiting”) with test and exams. Prostate cancer patients who do require treatment may have surgery, radiation therapy, cryosurgery, hormone therapy, or a combination of these treatments.
ONLINE RESOURCES
http://www.nci.nih.gov/cancertopics/types/prostate
http://www.prostateinfo.com/
http://www.prostatecancerfoundation.org/
http://www.urologychannel.com/prostate/cancer/index.shtml
