Prostate

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men (after skin cancer), but it can often be treated successfully. More than 2 million men in the U.S. are prostate cancer survivors. Prostate cancer occurs when cells in the prostate gland (a gland in the male reproductive system found below the bladder and in front of the rectum) grow out of control. There are often no early prostate cancer symptoms, but some men have urinary symptoms and discomfort. Prostate cancer treatment options are surgery, chemotherapy, cryotherapy, hormonal therapy, and/or radiation. In some instances, doctors recommend “watchful waiting.” Prostate cancer usually occurs in older men.

Risk factors

Age – Prostate cancer is rare in men under 40. About 60% of cases are found in men over age 65.

Race/Ethnicity – Prostate cancer occurs more often in African American men than in other races.

Geography – Prostate cancer is most common in North America, Northwestern Europe, Australia, and on Caribbean Islands.

Family History – Having a father or brother with prostate cancer more than doubles a man’s risk of developing the disease.

Gene Change – Several inherited gene changes may raise the risk of developing prostate cancer.

 

Other possible risk factors:

Diet, Obesity, Smoking, Chemical Exposures, Inflammation of the prostate, and Sexually Transmitted Infections 

Early Detection

Prostate cancer can often be found early by testing for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in a man’s blood. Another way to find prostate cancer early is by having a digital rectal exam (DRE) in which a doctor puts a gloved, lubricated finger into the man’s rectum to feel the prostate. If either of these tests is abnormal, further testing can be done to determine if a man has cancer. Screening is important because it identifies cancer at an earlier stage, when it is more likely to be treatable.

 

 

 

The NJCEED program at Inspira Health offers free prostate screening for uninsured or under-insured men. Visit this page for more information: http://www.inspirahealthnetwork.org/nj-ceed 

 

Information provided by The American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org) and Inspira Health Network (www.inspirahealthnetwork.org