Prostate Cancer is Common in American Men
occurs in men all over the world. In the US, the disease will affect 1 in 6 men in his lifetime. Nearly 2/3 of adult males aged 65 and older suffer from this disease, whether diagnosed or undiagnosed. Prostate cancer is the second major cause of death in the US in men and is second only to lung cancer in mortality rates. The death rate is 1 in 36, although most men who are diagnosed with this cancer will survive it. Chances of survival are good when the disease is caught early. This is why screening at age 60 is extremely important, especially among men who have a family history of cancers.
Detection
Cancer of the prostate occurs when there is an abnormal growth of malignant cells in a male gland that is located just below the bladder. It commonly occurs in older men and is characterized by a lump in the area where the prostate gland is located. Lumps are detected by palpation during the screening process. Diagnosis is made with biopsies and tests that detect the presence of Prostate Specific Antigens.
Treatment
Prostate cancer is treated according to a variety of means depending, in part, on the severity of the condition. Options include surgery, radiation therapy, cryotherapy, vaccination and hormone therapy. The manner of treatment is determined based on the lifestyle, age and life span of the individual, the presence of other life-threatening conditions, and the stage or grade of the disease. There are some patients who may not want aggressive treatment and would prefer to let the disease run its course. These considerations must be taken into account by doctors.
Prostate cancer is a lethal disease that affects thousands of American men each year. The good news is that with early detection and treatment there is an excellent chance of recovery. Men therefore need to be vigilant about prostate cancer screening to catch this killer in the earliest stages.