RACE INFORMATION:
About Prostate Cancer
For Indiana men, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer, and the second leading cause of death. In 2008 it is estimated that over 3,550 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed among Indiana men. It is also estimated that 550 Indiana men will die of the disease in 2008.
Download the prostate cancer fact sheet (35KB) - Contains statistics, risk factors, prevention and treatment information.
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.
- Family history of prostate cancer: A man's risk for developing prostate cancer is higher if his father or brother has had the disease.
- 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 American Indian men.
- 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.
Detecting Prostate Cancer
A man who has any of the risk factors described above may want to ask a doctor whether to begin screening for prostate cancer (even though he does not have any symptoms), what tests to have, and how often to have them. The doctor may suggest either of the tests described below.
- Blood test for prostate-specific antigen (PSA): A lab measures the levels of PSA in a blood sample. The level of PSA may rise in men who have 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.
If you are male and over 50, you should be getting annual PSA testing accompanied by a digital rectal exam. If you have a close relative who has had prostate cancer, or if you are an African American male, you should start testing at age 45. These tests have enabled doctors to dramatically reduce deaths from this cancer.
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Early prostate cancer often does not cause symptoms. But prostate cancer can cause any of these problems: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 a urologist
- 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
Online Resources
National Cancer Institute
Prostateinfo.com
Prostate Cancer Foundation
Prostate Cancer Research Foundation of Canada
Urology Channel