Guidelines for Early Detection

To increase the chance of detecting prostate cancer early, the National Black Leadership Initiative on Cancer II recommends yearly rectal exams and PSA's (prostate specific antigen level test) for all men over age 40.

Researchers are doing studies to learn more about screening men for prostate cancer (checking for the disease in men who have no symptoms). They are studying the usefulness of the following screening methods alone and in combinations:

• Digital Rectal Examination (DRE).
• Transrectal Ultrasonography.
• Measurement of a prostate specific antigen level in the blood (PSA).

The Prostate

The prostate is a male sex gland, which produces a thick fluid that forms part of semen. It is about the size of a walnut located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. Abnormal growth of benign tissue in the prostate is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This tissue, which is malignant tissue, is cancer.

What Every Man Should Know about Prostate Cancer:

• Prostate cancer is the most common malignant cancer in American men.
• Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death in men (lung cancer is # 1).
• For black men, the odds of getting prostate cancer are one in eight, compared to one in 6.25 for all U.S. men. In fact, black men in the U.S. have the world's highest rate of prostate cancer.

Risk Factors

Family History - There is an increased risk if a close family member has prostate cancer. It is important to learn as much as you can about your family's medical history.

Age - As you go through the aging process, your prostate will get larger. This is a natural process, but it may cause problems. It is therefore, important for men over 40 to consider yearly checkups.

Race - Black American men have the highest rate of prostate cancer in the world. This high rate has been seen only in the last few decades, which suggests that some environmental factors may be responsible.

High Fat Diet - Research indicates that men who eat a diet high in fat may have a higher risk of prostate cancer.

Signs and Symptoms

Early prostate cancer often does not cause symptoms. A man who has any of the following symptoms should see his family doctor or an urologist (a doctor who specializes in treating disease of the genitourinary system). Only a doctor can determine whether such symptoms are caused by prostate cancer:

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

Recommended Prostate Cancer Screenings

For more information on prostate cancer, how to find it early, or what questions to ask your doctor, contact the National Prostate Cancer Coalition (NPCC) at 1-888-245-9455 or call the Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER.