100 Black Men of America, Inc.

Prostate Cancer Information

Prostate Cancer – Prostate Cancers is a form of cancer that develops in the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system. The cancer cells may metastasize (spread) from the prostate to other parts of the body, particularly the bones and lymph nodes. Prostate cancer may cause pain, difficulty in urinating, problems during sexual intercourse, or erectile dysfunction. Other symptoms can potentially develop during later stages of the disease. Rates of detection of prostate cancers vary widely across the world. Prostate cancer tends to develop in men over the age of fifty and although it is one of the most prevalent types of cancer in men, many never have symptoms, undergo no therapy, and eventually die of other causes. This is because cancer of the prostate is, in most cases, slow-growing, symptom free and men with the condition often die of causes unrelated to the prostate cancer, such as heart/circulatory disease, pneumonia, other unconnected cancers, or old age. Many factors, including genetics and diet, have been implicated in the development of prostate cancer. The presence of prostate cancer may be indicated by symptoms, physical examination, prostate specific antigen (PSA), or biopsy.

Statistics - Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the United States. In 2005 (the most recent year for which numbers are available)

185,895 men developed prostate cancer.*
28,905 men died from prostate cancer.*

Data source : U.S. Cancer Statistics Working Group. United States Cancer Statistics: 1999–2005 Incidence and Mortality Web-based Report. Atlanta (GA): Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and National Cancer Institute; 2009. Information available at: http://www.cdc.gov/uscs .

Risk Factors - Research has found several factors that increase your chances of getting prostate cancer. These risk factors include:

Age: Men older than 50 years.
Family history: Having a father, brother, or son who has had prostate cancer.
Race: Black.

Learn more at http://www.cdc.gov/Features/

Signs & Symptoms - Different people have different symptoms for prostate cancer. Some men do not have symptoms at all. Some symptoms of prostate cancer are—

Difficulty in starting urination.
Weak, or interrupted flow of urine.
Frequent urination, especially at night.
Difficulty in emptying the bladder completely.
Pain or burning during urination.
Blood in the urine or semen.
Pain in the back, hips, or pelvis that doesn't go away.
Painful ejaculation.

If you have any symptoms that worry you, be sure to see your doctor right away. These symptoms may be caused by conditions other than prostate cancer.

Guidelines for Early Detection – This National Cancer Institute offers an online reference tool focused entirely on cancer of the prostate. It includes diagnosis, treatment options, tests and taking part in research studies. Learn more now at:

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/prostate

Treatment Options - Different types of treatment are available for prostate cancer. You and your doctor will decide which treatment is right for you. Visit the following link http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/prostate/basic_info/treatment.htm to learn about common treatments, clinical trials, and complementary and alternative medicine.

Remind a friend or family member to talk to his doctor about prostate cancer screening by sending this CDC Health e-Card. Click the following link to send the CDC's Prostate Cancer electronic greeting card.