What Every Man Needs to Know About Prostate Cancer

The words that a man hears from a doctor indicating that his tests are positive for prostate cancer can, of course, be devastating. There are some basic facts to know about your options that may help you or a loved one cope a bit more easily through this very difficult time.

The prostate is a small gland at the base of the bladder. It is where the fluid part of semen production takes place. According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 6 men will get cancer of the prostate, and 1 in 33 will die from it. Knowing the treatments and what some of the terms and numbers mean will be essential for the patient.

What causes men to get prostate cancer? The risk factors are wide and can not be concentrated into one age group. A good bottom line is that every male is susceptible. Black men are more likely to get it than Caucasians, and although the risk increases with age, even men in their 40s run a risk. If a close relative had prostate cancer, a man's risk is higher. Some studies show that heavy intake of animal fat may increase risk and others suggest that intake of soy protein or tomatoes (lycopene) may decrease it.

Experts disagree on when screening should begin, or if it is even necessary at all. Many will advise that age 50 should begin an annual screening, but starting at age 40 or 45 if the higher risk factors (race, family history, etc.) are present. Other experts think that screening beginning at age 40 is a good choice.

A doctor will often be able to recognize the presence of a tumor by a rectal examination, but sometimes the presence of cancer will have to be determined by a blood test, so be prepared to have both of these examinations done.

You will be hearing the term "PSA." This is the "prostate specific antigen" and is a protein secreted by both normal prostate and prostate cancer cells that can be found in the blood. It tends to be higher in cases where prostate cancer is present. If the blood test or exam indicates that cancer is a possibility, you will be undergoing a biopsy for the next step.