 | Prostate Cancer
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Early detection significantly reduces prostate cancer deaths. Of the nearly 198,000 men in the United States who will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year, approximately 32,000 will die from the disease.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
- Painful ejaculation
In its earliest stages, there may be no symptoms.Risk FactorsAll men are at risk for prostate cancer, particularly those who:- Are over 50
- Are African-American
- Eat a high-fat diet
- Are physically inactive
- Have a family history of prostate cancer
- Have had a vasectomy
Compared to white men, African-American men are 70 percent more likely to get prostate cancer and twice as likely to die from it.Prevention- Stay physically active and eat a nutritious diet. Foods such as tomatoes, grapefruit, and watermelon, and the mineral selenium appear to lower the risk of prostate cancer.
- The American Cancer Society recommends that men over 50 have a blood test for the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) and undergo a digital rectal exam yearly. If you are African-American or have a family history of prostate cancer, begin being tested at age 45.
For more information on prostate cancer, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345; National Cancer Institute at 1-800-4-CANCER.
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