Prostate Cancer

• Prostate Health Articles

After lung cancer, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among men in the United States. It is also the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer, other than skin cancer in men.

The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2002, 189,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and an estimated 30,200 will die. By age 80, half of all men will have a form of prostate cancer. However, most of these men will die from other causes.

PSA Test

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a glycoprotein produced primarily by the epithelial cells that line the acini and ducts of the prostate gland. PSA is concentrated in prostatic tissue, and serum PSA levels are normally very low. Disruption of the normal prostatic architecture, such as by prostatic disease, allows greater amounts of PSA to enter the general circulation. Elevated serum PSA levels have become an important marker of prostate pathologies-which include benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, and especially prostate cancer. Prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) does not appear to raise serum PSA levels. The American Cancer Society now recommends that annual PSA testing and a digital rectal exam be offered to men beginning at age 50 if they have a life expectancy of at least 10 years. A recent study revealed that men with a low PSA level may not need to have an annual PSA test. Doctors generally recommend further testing if men's PSA levels rise above 4 nanograms per milliliter of blood. The new study concludes:

• If a man's initial PSA reading is between zero and 1, he can wait five years before having another test.
• If the reading is between 1 and 2, he can wait two years before another test.
• Those whose readings are between 2 and 4 should continue to have annual tests.

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

• A need to urinate frequently, especially at night
• Difficulty starting urination or holding back urine
• Inability to urinate
• Weak or interrupted flow of urine
• Painful or burning urination
• Difficulty in having an erection
• Painful ejaculation
• Blood in urine or semen
• Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs

Risk factors for prostate cancer

• Age -- In the United States, prostate cancer is found mainly in men over age 55. Family history of prostate cancer.
• Race -- This disease is much more common in African American men than in white men.
• Diet and dietary factors -- Some evidence suggests that a diet high in animal fat may increase the risk of prostate cancer and a diet high in fruits and vegetables may decrease the risk.