CANCER

Cancer is not just one disease, but it is a group of diseases. All forms of cancer cause cells to change and grow out of control. Most types of cancer cells form a lump or mass called a tumor, but not all tumors are cancer. Most cancers are named for the body part that is affected.

What is Prostate Cancer?

It is important to know that all men can get prostate cancer. Men over 40 are at greater risk.

• Prostate cancer is a cancer of the prostate gland. This gland is about the size of a walnut.
• Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer found in American men, other than skin cancer.
• The American Cancer Society predicts that there will be about 180,400 new cases of prostate cancer in this country in the year 2001.
• About 31,900 men will die of this disease. 
• Early prostate cancer often begins with no symptoms, or theremay be problems with urination.

There are at least 3 ways that prostate cancer can be found early early:

• First, by Digital Rectal Examination - All men over 40 should have this test done, but  if there is a family  history of prostate cancer you may want to start having this exam at an earlier age. 
• Second, by transrectal  ultra-so-nog-raphy
• And Third, by Prostate- Specific Antigen (PSA) -This is a blood test that helps detect prostate cancer. The PSA test measures a substance called prostate- specific antigen, which is made by the prostate.

How Can I Know If I Am At Risk For Prostate Cancer?

Age: the chance of getting prostate cancer goes up with age.
Race: for unknown reasons, prostate cancer is more common among African-American men than among white men.
Diet: a diet high in fat may play a part in causing prostate cancer.
Family: men with close family members who have had prostate cancer are more  likely to get prostate cancer themselves.
 

How Can I Find Out More About Prostate Cancer?

ASK Your Doctor.

The American Cancer Society has more information about prostate cancer.
Call 1-800-ACS-2345 or

visit the Internet site at www.cancer.org
 
National Cancer Institute Cancer Information Service 1-800-4-CANCER
Internet address: www.nci.nih.gov