What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate Cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths among men in the United States and a significant health-care problem due to its high incidence. It is estimated that in the United States (U.S.), there will be more than 230,000 new cases and 29,000 deaths from prostate cancer in 2014. The natural history and progression of this disease is not clearly and consistently understood. An analysis of autopsy studies has shown that approximately one in three men over the age of 50 years had histologic evidence of prostate cancer, with up to 80% of these tumors being limited in size and grade and, therefore, clinically insignificant. However, a recent study of incidental prostate cancer diagnosed in organ donors found prostate cancer in 1 in 3 men age 60-69, and this increased to 46% in men over age 70.
The number of men diagnosed with prostate cancer remains high. However, 5-year relative survival rates have increased dramatically over the years. There also has been at least a 25% reduction in the age-specific prostate cancer mortality rate since the beginning of the PSA era. It is estimated that 99 % of men diagnosed with localized or regional prostate cancer survive at least five years, while only 33% of those with metastases at diagnosis survive 5 years.
For African American men, however the statistics are more dramatic. African American men when diagnosed are more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage and 2.4 times more likely than white men to die of prostate cancer. In addition, if you have a family history the risk is even greater.
Thus, it is still important for men to know the facts about prostate cancer and have an informed discussion with their doctors about prostate cancer testing.
The number of men diagnosed with prostate cancer remains high. However, 5-year relative survival rates have increased dramatically over the years. There also has been at least a 25% reduction in the age-specific prostate cancer mortality rate since the beginning of the PSA era. It is estimated that 99 % of men diagnosed with localized or regional prostate cancer survive at least five years, while only 33% of those with metastases at diagnosis survive 5 years.
For African American men, however the statistics are more dramatic. African American men when diagnosed are more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage and 2.4 times more likely than white men to die of prostate cancer. In addition, if you have a family history the risk is even greater.
Thus, it is still important for men to know the facts about prostate cancer and have an informed discussion with their doctors about prostate cancer testing.
Prostate Cancer - What are the symptoms?
There are no warning signs of early prostate cancer. Once a tumor causes the prostate gland to swell, or once cancer spreads beyond the prostate, the following symptoms may happen:
- A frequent need to urinate, especially at night
- Difficulty starting or stopping a stream of urine
- A weak or interrupted urinary stream
- Leaking of urine when laughing or coughing
- Inability to urinate standing up
- A painful or burning sensation during urination or ejaculation
- Blood in urine or semen