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Prostate Cancer

Peer Review Status: Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cancer Information Service
First Published: September 2000
Last Revised: February 2007

The American Cancer Society estimates there will be 218,890 new cases of prostate cancer in 2007. An estimated 27,050 men will die of prostate cancer this year. The good news is that the mortality rates of prostate cancer are declining.

The symptoms of prostate cancer may include: weak or interrupted urine flow, inability to urinate, frequent need to urinate (especially at night), burning with urination. These symptoms are not specific to cancer and are similar to symptoms caused by benign conditions, such as infection or prostate enlargement.

The risk factors for prostate cancer include:

• Age--75% of all prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over 65.
• Race--Black Americans have the highest prostate cancer incidence in the world.
• Genetics--a family history (father, brother) of prostate cancer.
• Dietary fat--International studies suggest that dietary fat may also be a risk factor.

Screening for prostate cancer is controversial. Although three types of screening tests are available, each test can produce false results, which could lead to unnecessary treatments. The three screening tests include the digital rectal examination, the Prostatic Specific Antigen blood test, and transrectal ultrasound. Research is being done to determine the best method of screening for prostate cancer. Talk with your doctor about what is best for you.