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PREVENTION OVERVIEW
Anything that increases a person’s chance of developing a disease is a risk factor; anything that decreases a person’s chance of developing a disease is a protective factor. Some of the risk factors for cancer can be avoided, but many can not. Prevention means avoiding the risk factors and increasing the protective factors that can be controlled so that the chance of developing cancer decreases.
PROSTATE CANCER PREVENTIONAge: The risk of developing prostate cancer increases as a man gets older.
Chemoprevention: Chemoprevention is the use of specific natural or man-made drugs, vitamins, or other agents to reverse, suppress, or prevent cancer growth. Several agents, including difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), isoflavonoids, selenium, vitamins D and E, and lycopene have shown potential benefit in studies. Further studies are needed to confirm this.
Diet and Lifestyle: A diet high in fat, especially animal fat, may be associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. Increased dietary intake of fruits and vegetables has been associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer in some studies.
Hormonal Prevention: Studies are underway to discover the role of certain drugs, such as finasteride, that reduce the amount of male hormone, as preventive agents for prostate cancer.
Race: The risk of prostate cancer is dramatically higher among blacks, intermediate among whites, and lowest among native Japanese. However, this increase in risk for blacks may be due to other factors associated with race. Studies have shown a link between levels of testosterone and prostate cancer risk, with black men having the highest levels.
SYMPTOMS TO REPORT TO YOUR DOCTOR
 A need to urinate frequently, especially at night Painful or burning urination Difficulty starting urination or holding back urine Inability to urinate Weak or interrupted flow of urine Blood in urine or semen Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips or upper thighs Painful ejaculation
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SCREENING OVERVIEWWhat is screening? Screening is looking for cancer before a person has any symptoms. This can help find cancer at an early stage. When abnormal tissue or cancer is found early, it may be easier to treat. By the time symptoms appear, cancer may have begun to spread.
It is important to remember that your doctor does not necessarily think you have cancer if he or she suggests a screening test. Screening tests are given when you have no cancer symptoms.
PROSTATE CANCER SCREENINGThe American Cancer Society believes that doctors should offer the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test and DRE (digital rectal exam) yearly, beginning at age 50 to men who do not have any serious medical problems and can be expected to live at least 10 more years. Men at high risk (African Americans and men who have a close family member with prostate cancer at an early age), should begin testing at age 45.
• PSA Blood Test: For this test, a blood sample is drawn and the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) present is determined in a laboratory. PSA is a marker that, if present in higher than average amounts, may indicate prostate cancer cells. However, PSA levels may also be higher in men who have noncancerous prostate conditions.
• Digital Rectal Examination: A digital rectal examination (DRE) is performed by a doctor during a regular office visit. For this examination, the doctor inserts a gloved finger into the rectum and feels the prostate gland through the rectal wall to check for bumps or abnormal areas.
PROSTATE CANCER TREATMENTThere are four standard treatments for patients with prostate cancer. They include watchful waiting, surgery, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy. Watchful waiting is closely monitoring a patient’s condition but withholding treatment until symptoms appear or change. This is usually used in older men with other medical problems and early stage disease. Patients in good health who are younger than 70 years old are usually offered surgery as treatment for prostate cancer. Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that uses high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells. Hormone therapy is a cancer treatment that blocks the action of hormones and stops cancer cells from growing.
PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUPS| The Breakfast Club | |
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The Breakfast Club meets monthly for morning coffee and information sharing.
Offering support to individuals and those affected by prostate cancer. University
of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. 200 Hawkins Dr Iowa City, IA 52242 Meets at 5970 Pappa John Pavilion. [Take elevator 1 to 5th Fl.] 9:30 am, 4th Friday [except during the months of November and December will meet on the 3rd Friday]. (Does not meet in Aug.) Contact - Caralee Sueppel, (319) 683-2739 |
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| US Too | |
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An education and support group specifically created for men with prostate
cancer. Meetings provide current information presented by specialists in
various fields related to prostate cancer, such as surgery, radiation,
medicine and nutrition. Open to all prostate cancer survivors and their
support persons. Mercy Caner Center 701 10th St SE Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52403 319-398-6265 or 800-642-6329 |
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PROSTATE CANCER LINKSCaP Cure (The Association for the Cure of Cancer of the Prostate)
1-800-757-CURE
