Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer for men and the second leading cause of death in men. Prostate cancer is a disease of older men-- the average age of diagnosis for prostate cancer is 70 years. About 80% of all cases occur in the over-65 population and more than half of all deaths occur in men over 74. At all ages, African American men are diagnosed with the disease at later stages and die of prostate cancer at higher rates than cancer white men (see graphic below). The Oncolink site provides an excellent overview on prostate cancer, screening, risk factors and prevention, and treatment options.

The cause of prostate cancer is unknown. We know that it is more prevalent in developed countries with a diet high in animal fat and proteins. All men over age 40 should have a digital rectal exam once a year. Fifty percent of the nodules discovered this way are cancerous. Men between the ages of 50 and 70 should be screened annually for prostate cancer using the Prostate Specific Antigen test (PSA test). To learn more about the treatment of prostate cancer click on the link Prostate Cancer Treatment Guidelines to visit the American Cancer Society website.