Posted: 7/19/05
From the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is raising awareness that among American men, prostate cancer is the most common cancer, excluding skin cancers, and the second leading cause of cancer death, exceeded only by lung cancer.
This year in Minnesota, more than 4,300 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and more than 550 will die from the disease.
Fortunately, when prostate cancer is detected early, the five-year survival rate is nearly 100 percent. Because early prostate cancer usually has no symptoms, it is important to discuss early detection methods with your physician.
Screening tests such as the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and the digital rectal examination (DRE) are available to detect prostate cancer early, but neither test is 100 percent accurate. Men should openly discuss the benefits and limitations of prostate cancer testing with their physician at annual checkups.
The only well-established risk factors for prostate cancer are age, ethnicity and family history of the disease.
More than 70 percent of all prostate cancer cases occur in men older than 65. In addition, prostate cancer incidence rates among African-American men are twice as high as rates among Caucasian men.
The American Cancer Society believes that health care professionals should offer the PSA blood test and DRE yearly, beginning at age 50, to men who have at least a 10-year life expectancy. Men at high risk, such as African-Americans and men who have a first-degree relative who was diagnosed with prostate cancer at an age younger than 65, should begin testing at age 45.
The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service.
Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the Society has 14 regional Divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States.
For more information anytime, call toll free 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.
©ECM Post Review
6448 Main Street
North Branch, MN 55056
Telephone: 651-674-7025
Fax: 651-674-7026
E-mail: editor.postreview@ecm-inc.com