In 2003, President George H.W. Bush declared September as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in American men. In 2013, approximately 239,000 men in the United States will be diagnosed with this type of cancer, and nearly 30,000 men will lose their fight with the disease. This month, we honor those who lost their battle with prostate cancer and raise awareness about detection, treatment and prevention methods in order to reduce the impact of this disease.
1 out of every 6 men will be diagnosed with this type of cancer during his lifetime. Prostate cancer occurs most frequently in older men; approximately 6 out of every 10 cases are diagnosed in men aged 65 or older. It is relatively rare before age 40. The average age at the time of diagnosis is 67.
While some types of prostate cancer grow slowly and may need minimal treatment, other types are aggressive and can spread rapidly. In most cases, prostate cancer grows slowly and remains confined to the prostate gland for some time. Although for some it can be a serious disease, the majority of men diagnosed with prostate cancer do not die from it.
The disease may not cause signs or symptoms in its early stages. In its more advanced states, the cancer may cause a variety of signs and symptoms, including:
- Trouble urinating
- Decreased force in the stream of urine
- Blood in the urine
- Blood in the semen
- General pain in the lower back, hips or thighs
- Discomfort in the pelvic area
- Bone pain
- Erectile dysfunction
Treatment options depend on several factors, including the stage of the cancer, how fast it is growing, the patient’s age and overall health, and treatment benefits and side effects. Some treatment options include:
- Active Surveillance
- Radiation Therapy
- Hormone Therapy
- Surgery
- Freezing tissue
- Ultrasound treatment
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
Although there’s no proven way to prevent prostate cancer, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. Studies have shown reduced risk of prostate cancer among men who:
- Choose a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables
- Exercise most days of the week
- Maintain a healthy weight
If you have questions about your prostate cancer risk, or are concerned about possible symptoms, talk to your primary care physician.
Source information for this article was provided by the Mayo Clinic and the American Cancer Society.
