Prostate Cancer Facts & Screening Guidelines

Prostate Cancer: Facts & Guidelines

Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer among American men. Though most men do not die of prostate cancer, the number of deaths from the disease is significant: in the past five years, more than 200,000 men have lost their lives to prostate cancer. One quarter of prostate cancer cases are men in their prime working years, under the age of 65. Diagnosing the problem early is important to successful treatment and improved quality of life for men who have developed this form of cancer.

If you are an African-American man, the incidence of prostate cancer is dramatically higher and can develop at an earlier age than it does in Caucasian, Asian and other ethnic or racial groups of men.

Prostate Cancer Risk Factors

Age: risk increases as you age.
Diet: high fat diets, especially those high in animal fat, may increase your risk.
Family History: if you have one or more male relatives (brothers, father, uncles, grandfathers) who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, you are at increased risk for the disease. Be sure to tell your doctor about prostate cancer in your family.
Race: African-American men are more likely to develop prostate cancer and should begin yearly prostate cancer screening at age 40; all other men should begin at age 50.

Warning Signs to Report

Pain in the lower back, pelvis or upper thighs
Frequent urination
Painful or burning sensation when urinating
Urine flow that cannot easily be stopped
Difficulty urinating
Blood in your urine

Screening guidelines:

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood Test

Looks for a substance made by the prostate gland
Higher levels of PSA show a change in the prostate (not always cancer)
Should be done every year

Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) performed by a doctor

The back portion of the prostate gland is checked
Firmness and texture are checked
Quick and painless exam

Services available through the Cancer Prevention Institute:

Free screenings are available, view schedule of upcoming screening dates and locations.

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Cancer Prevention Institute 4100 S. Kettering Blvd. Dayton, OH 45439 937-293-8508 1-877-274-4543 (toll free) Click here to email us

Cancer Prevention Institute
4100 S. Kettering Blvd.
Dayton, OH 45439
937-293-8508
1-877-274-4543 (toll free)
Click here to email us