Prostate Cancer: Real Men Get Screened!

In every man’s body there is a gland that is about the size of a walnut. This gland is located deep within the body, close to the bladder. This gland is called the prostate.

Prostate cancer occurs when a group of cells begin to grow abnormally inside the prostate gland. These cells then start to invade and destroy healthy tissues and organs.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer found in men. Approximately 12,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in Texas alone, and 2,300 of these men will die from the disease. When prostate cancer is diagnosed early, it can often be treated successfully. However, because most men are too afraid or embarrassed to have an annual exam, many cases of prostate cancer go undetected until it is too late.

What can you do?

Early detection is the key to surviving prostate cancer. Currently, there are two screening tests for prostate cancer available from your health care provider. These tests are called:

• Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
• Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)

Every man over 50 should have a DRE and PSA test every year. Men in high-risk groups should begin having their annual exams at 45.

How do you know if you’re at risk?

In truth, all men are at risk for prostate cancer. About one out of every five men will develop the disease in their lifetime. However, there are some factors that increase a man’s chance of being diagnosed with prostate cancer. These factors include:

• Age 50 and above
• Race – African-American males are considered a high-risk group
• Family History – Men with a father and/or brother diagnosed with prostate cancer are considered a high-risk group

What are some signs to look for?

Many times, men with prostate cancer do not show any signs of the disease. However, when symptoms are present they usually include:

• Frequent urination (often at night)
• Hard to start/stop urine flow
• Pain or burning during urination
• Blood in urine
• Persistent lower back or hip pain

It is important to remember that these symptoms can be caused by conditions other than prostate cancer. If you have any of these signs, please contact your health care provider immediately.

It’s really not so bad, honest!

Everyone knows that going to see a doctor when you are sick is difficult enough, so we can imagine the reaction when someone wants you to go in for a test if you don’t think anything is wrong. So, when you or someone who loves you schedules your appointment, make sure you have enough time to ask your doctor or his nurse about any questions you may have, including:

• Why do I need this exam?
• What are they going to do to me?
• Will the exams hurt?
• What happens if I have cancer?

Most health care providers supply detailed pamphlets and brochures about the two types of tests available. Some will also schedule a consultation with you before you have your first prostate exam in order to answer questions and explain procedures to you. The most important thing for you to do is schedule the appointment and get to the clinic.

Prostate cancer may occur only in men, but it is not just a man’s disease. When a man is diagnosed with prostate cancer, it affects everyone around him; the lives of his family, friends, and other loved ones all change if he is diagnosed with this disease. So, be a real man and get screened. Your life depends on it!

For more information about prostate cancer, contact:

• American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345
• Cancer Information Services at 1-800-4-CANCER
• MD Anderson Cancer Center at 1-713-792-2121
• Your County Extension Agent (locate here)
• Your Local Hospital Help Line
• Your Local Dial-a-Nurse Help Line

 

References:

• American Cancer Society (1997). New Guidelines for the Early Detection of Prostate Cancer.
• American Cancer Society (1999). The Prostate Cancer Resource Center. http://www3.cancer.org/cancerinfo/documents/.
• National Cancer Institute (1999). Cancer Facts. http://198.77.70.12/5_23.htm.
• National Prostate Cancer Coalition (1999). We Can Stop It.
• Texas Department of Health (1998). Facts About Prostate Cancer.