Prostate Cancer is the Leading Cancer in Men
Awareness and Knowing Your Risk is Key to Survival
Sep 22, 2008
Did you know that more than 2 million men have prostate cancer and over 28,000 are expected to die from this cancer in 2008? Did you know that one out of every six men will probably develop prostate cancer? This makes the risk of developing prostate cancer among men 33% greater than women developing breast cancer (Dr. E. David Crawford, Prostate Cancer Education Council).
Early detection is the key and men should begin screening after they turn 40. When prostate cancer is detected early enough, there is a 90% chance of full recovery and complete cure (Prostate Cancer Foundation). There are many options for treatment today and it is important for men to get the facts.
Prostate Cancer Risk by the Numbers
The risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age and the following statistics reflect the risk for all men (Prostate Cancer Foundation):
- 2 in 3 – number of men currently diagnosed with prostate cancer 65 and older
- 1 in 6 – number of men currently diagnosed with prostate cancer
- 1 in 14 – number of men between the ages of 60 and 69 being diagnosed with prostate cancer
- 1 in 38 – number of men between the ages of 40 and 59 being diagnosed with prostate cancer
- 1 in 10,000 – number of men under 40 being diagnosed with prostate cancer
- 61% of African American men are more likely to develop prostate cancer and are 2.5 times more likely to die from this cancer than white men
Prostate Cancer Treatments
Proven treatment options for men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer include (American Urologist Association):
- Radiation Therapy – a Brachytherapy treatment, also called internal radiation therapy, allows a physician to use a higher total dose of radiation to treat a smaller area and in a shorter time than is possible with external radiation treatment. Therapy is accomplished as an outpatient treatment lasting approximately 45 minutes, with a 2 – 3 day recovery period.
- Surgery – a radical prostatectomy, which involves removing the prostate gland and surrounding lymph nodes.
- Watchful Waiting – regular monitoring of the prostate cancer to determine the rate of growth to determine if and when further treatment is necessary.
Symptoms Which May Indicate Prostate Cancer
If the cancer is caught at its earliest stages, most men will not experience any symptoms. Some men, however, will experience symptoms that might indicate the presence of prostate cancer, including (Prostate Cancer Foundation):
- A need to urinate frequently, especially at night
- Difficulty starting urination or holding back urine
- 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
- Early detection is the key and a man should consult their doctor if any of these symptoms exist.
Prostate cancer is the number one cancer diagnosed in men and men have a 33% greater chance of developing this cancer than women developing breast cancer. This is why it is important to see your doctor and get examined as soon as possible after turning 40. Also it is important to get examined for prostate cancer on a regular basis after initial screening.
Avoid falling into the category of dying from prostate cancer, like the over 28,000 men who will die from prostate cancer this year. Get examined for prostate cancer and if diagnosed with this cancer early enough, you can fall into the category of 90% survival rate.
