Do You Have Prostate Cancer? You Are Not Alone!

During a man’s lifetime he has a one-in ten chance of being diagnosed with prostate cancer. Commercials on TV state that one in three men will experience some form of prostate problems during their life. 200,000 new cases of prostate cancer are reported in the United States every year.

Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor that starts in the prostate gland. It can spread from the prostate gland to bones, nearby lymph nodes, and other organs. The spread of this disease can be stimulated by the male hormone testosterone if the cancer cells are hormone-dependent. This disease is the second leading cause of cancer death in men. The survival rate for this disease has improved a great deal in the last 20 years. 5-year survival rates for all stages of prostate cancer have jumped from 67% to 99%. Methods of treatment have come a long way since they first treated prostate cancer by removal of the man’s testicles!

While scientists are still not sure what causes prostate cancer, they do agree there are certain risk factors that have been identified. Age is the primary risk factor and the risk of developing this disease increases as you age. Most cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed in men over the age of 65. Only 1 in 10,000 men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer are under the age of 40. Men are much more likely to develop prostate cancer if they have a close family member such as brother or father that had this disease. A man has a risk factor of up to eleven times more likely to develop prostate cancer if their father or brother has had it.

The death rate for prostate cancer in men is more that 2.4 times higher in African-American men. Caucasian and Hispanic have a reduced risk, and Asians and American Indians have the lowest rate of prostate cancer diagnosis. This may be because of the differences in diet between these groups of men. Diet is suggested as something that affects your chances of developing prostate cancer. Eating healthy and adding omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce your risk factor. Obesity is another problem common in America and studies show the death rate increases in obese men who have prostate cancer.

So when and who should be tested for prostate cancer? The American Cancer Society recommends that all men over the age of 50 be checked for prostate cancer. If you are in a high-risk group such as an African-American man or someone with a family history of prostate cancer, they recommend testing begin at the age of 45. A PSA test and a rectal exam once every year is recommended.

You will also want to see a doctor and undergo tests if you have any symptoms of prostate problems. Trouble with urination, a weak stream, dripping or dribbling, and having a strong urge to “go” are all symptoms of a problem with the prostate gland. See your doctor if you are having any of these symptoms.

About the Author:
Mike Serovey is the owner and webmaster for http://www.mikeserovey.net where you can submit your articles for free.