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What my son should know about cancer

Prostate Cancer Facts

In American men, prostate cancer is the most common cancer and the second-most common cause of cancer-related deaths. In 2000, 180,400 new cases of prostate cancer were diagnosed. Despite these large numbers, a basic understanding of prostate cancer is the start to protecting you and your family.

Risk Factors

There are three populations that have a greater likelihood of developing prostate cancer. Those at an increased risk include older men (generally older than 55 years), African American males (approximately 2 times more common than in white men), and those men with a father, son, or brother (a first-degree relative) affected with prostate cancer. Individuals with an affected first-degree relative are considered to have a family history of prostate cancer (see the article titled Understanding the Meaning of family History for more on this topic). Having a more distant relative with prostate cancer is also relevant, and is under study.

In addition to age, race, and family history, there are environmental factors that may influence the risk of developing prostate cancer. These possible risk factors include high-fat diets, diets low in fruit, lack of exercise, obesity, smoking, and radiation exposure. However, none of these risk factors are definitely proven to alter the chance of developing prostate cancer. Because of this, it is easy to find confusing or conflicting information. For example, one organization may recommend a high fiber diet while a different organization says that diet plays no role in the risk of prostate cancer. Regardless, environmental factors are important in our overall health and wellness.

Because there are so many factors we cannot control (age, race, family history), understanding the symptoms of prostate cancer and knowing the tools available to diagnose and treat the disease are our best weapons in the fight against prostate cancer.

Early Detection

Currently, the best method available for treating prostate cancer is early detection. The earlier prostate cancer is diagnosed, the more likely that the cancer is at an early stage. Not only does prostate cancer grow as time goes on, but the cells within the cancer become more dangerous. With time, cancer cells grow faster and more uncontrollably, becoming more and more likely to metastasize to other locations within the body. The only way to prevent this progression is to diagnose prostate cancer early. This is why prostate cancer screening is important.

If you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, your physician will determine the stage of your cancer and discuss these findings with you. You should decide on an appropriate treatment plan with your physician. Factors that often influence this decision include the stage of your cancer, your age, current treatment options, scientific evidence, and any personal, religious, or cultural beliefs that influence how you approach your health.

According to the guidelines of the American Cancer Society, which is considered the leading authority on minimizing and preventing cancer, health care providers should offer all men over the age of 50 a yearly digital rectal examination (DRE), an examination where the physician feels the size and shape of the prostate. Additionally, all men over the age of 50 should be offered yearly prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing. This test requires obtaining a sample of blood from the patient, which is then analyzed in a laboratory. Those individuals with a family history of prostate cancer and African American men are advised to begin DRE and PSA testing at age 45. You should discuss the personal advantages and disadvantages of early detection tests for prostate cancer with your health care provider.

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