Broadlawns Medical Center Prostate Cancer 101: When and Where To Get Screened Dr. Brian Gallagher Urology Center of Iowa at Broadlawns Medical Center Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in American men. This cancer occurs in the prostate, which is a small walnut-shaped gland in male reproductive system. While all men are at risk for prostate cancer, African-American men are more likely to get prostate cancer. According to the CDC, out of every 100 American men, about 13 will get prostate cancer. Of those, two or three men will die from prostate cancer. ZERO – The End of Prostate Cancer, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness for prostate cancer, estimated that 29,750 African-American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2021. One in six African-American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, and African-American men are twice are likely to die from prostate cancer. This increase in death rate is attributed to the disease being more advanced when it is found in AfricanAmerican men, and a tendency for AfricanAmerican men to have a more severe type of prostate cancer. The most common risk factor for prostate cancer in all men is age. The older a man is, the more he is at risk for getting prostate cancer. About 60% of the cases occur in men older than 65. Men who have a family history of prostate cancer are at a greater risk of dying from prostate cancer. Exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and a healthy diet can help reduce a man’s risk of prostate cancer. Different people have different symptoms for prostate cancer. The vast majority of men do not have symptoms at all. However, if you or someone you love are having any of the following symptoms, see a doctor right away: Problems starting urination Weak flow of urine Frequent urination, particularly at night Difficulty completely emptying the bladder Pain or burning during urination Blood in the urine or semen Ongoing pain in the back, hips, or pelvis Painful ejaculation While these may be symptoms of prostate cancer, these may also be signs of other health issues. In fact, in a recent survey of men with prostate cancer by ZERO – The End of Prostate Cancer, only 5.24% learned that they had prostate cancer because of symptoms. The overwhelming majority (94%) learned about their diagnosis from early detection through a screening test. The best chance for successful treatment of prostate cancer is with early detection through screening.
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