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CANCER
FACTS - Prostate
| Signs
and Symptoms |
Weak
or interrupted urine flow; inability to urinate, or difficulty starting
or stopping the urine flow; the need to urinate frequently, especially
at night; blood in the urine; pain or burning on urination; continual
pain in lower back, pelvis, or upper thighs. Most of these symptoms
are nonspecific and may be similar to those caused by benign conditions
such as infection or prostate enlargement. |
| Risk
Factors |
The incidence
of prostate cancer increases with age, as more than 75% of all
prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over age 65. Black Americans
have the highest prostate cancer incidence rates in the world.
The disease is common in North America and Northwestern Europe,
and is rare in Asia, Africa, and South America.
Recent genetic
studies suggest that strong familial predisposition may be responsible
for 5%-10% of prostate cancers. International studies suggest
that dietary fat may also be a factor.
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| Early
Detection |
Men
age 50 and older who have at least a 10-year life expectancy should
talk with their health care professional about having a digital
rectal exam of the prostate gland and a prostate-specific antigen
(PSA) blood test every year. Men who are at high risk for prostate
cancer (black men or men who have a history of prostate cancer in
close family members) should consider beginning these tests at an
earlier age. |
Source:
Cancer Facts & Figures 1998 - American Cancer Society
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