* Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of deaths from cancer among US men.
* While the causes of prostate cancer are still unknown, some risk factors for the disease, such as advancing age and a family history of prostate cancer, have been identified.
* Prostate cancer is often initially suspected because of an abnormal PSA blood test or a hard nodule (lump) felt on the prostate gland during a routine digital (done with a finger) rectal examination.
* The digital rectal examination (starting at age 40) and the PSA blood test (starting at age 50) should be done at yearly intervals to screen men for prostate cancer.
* Refinements in the PSA test, including the PSA ratio, age-specific PSA, and PSA velocity or slope have improved the accuracy of the test.
* If one of the screening tests is abnormal, the diagnosis of prostate cancer should be suspected and a biopsy of the prostate gland is usually done.
* The diagnosis of prostate cancer is made when cancerous prostatic cells are identified in the biopsy tissue under a microscope.
* In some men, prostate cancer is life threatening, while in many others, it can exist for many years without causing health problems.
* The choice of treatment for prostate cancer depends on the size, aggressiveness, and extent or spread of the tumor, as well as on the age, general health, and preference of the patient.
* The many options for treating prostate cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, hormonal treatment, cryotherapy, chemotherapy, combinations of some of these treatments, and watchful waiting.
* Research is underway to identify the genes that cause prostate cancer.
For further information on prostate cancer, contact your local branch of The American Cancer Society or call 1-800-ACS2345.
