Protect Yourself Against Prostate Cancer

FAQs: Learn About Prostate Cancer

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

The symptoms of prostate cancer include:

• Difficulty urinating
• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Pain or burning during urination
• Blood in urine or semen
• Persistent back, hip, or pelvis pain
• Painful ejaculation
• Weakness or numbness in lower extremities (legs and feet)
• Loss of bladder or bowel control from cancer pressing on the spinal cord

Some of these symptoms can be caused by conditions other than prostate cancer. That’s why it’s important to tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms so the cause can be found and treated, if needed. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, make an appointment to see your doctor. You doctor might refer you to a urologist to determine if this could be from prostate cancer or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).

Who is at risk for prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind lung cancer. About 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, and about 6 in 10 diagnosed cases will occur in men ages 65 and older. Prostate cancer is rare for men younger than age 40.

Prostate cancer develops mainly in older men and African-American men. African-American men are more than twice as likely to die from prostate cancer than white men. African-American men get prostate cancer at a younger age, tend to have more advanced disease when it is found, and tend to have a more severe type of prostate cancer than other men.

Who is affected by prostate cancer in Frederick County?

In Frederick County, 125.7 per 100,000 residents will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and 20.2 per 100,000 will die from the disease.

What is the best way to detect and prevent prostate cancer?

For men between the ages of 55 and 69, prostate cancer screening should be a decision made by both the patient and doctor on a case-by-case basis. Screenings include the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test, which checks a man’s blood for high PSA levels, a marker for prostate cancer and a physical exam.

Your doctor may recommend screening if you are:

• Age 40 with a family history of prostate cancer
• Age 45 and African-American
• Age 50 with no history and non-African-American

If you’re 55 to 69, discuss with your doctor whether screening is necessary. Screening is not recommended for men ages 70 and older.

What are some questions I should ask my doctor about prostate cancer?

Ask your doctor these questions at your next appointment:

• Am I at a greater risk for prostate cancer?
• At what age should I start to think about screening for prostate cancer?
• If I get my blood test and it is not normal, what other things could I have besides prostate cancer?
• What is a biopsy, and how is it done?
• What are the side effects or risks of a biopsy?
• If my biopsy shows some cancer cells, what does that mean?
• Should I see any other doctors or specialists for my symptoms or condition?

Be sure to ask about all treatment options—close monitoring and follow-up visits, radiation, or surgery to remove the prostate—and side effects or risks of each treatment.

Get the Word Out

Anyone can raise awareness about prostate cancer. Get involved and help us spread the word. Here are a few ideas:

• Share this information on your social media outlets and other networks.
• Host an event in your community and share local health resources. You can request a speaker to talk about the importance of getting screened.
• Start a conversation about prostate cancer—with your friends, family, and doctor.
• Add this information about prostate cancer to your company’s newsletter.
• Raise awareness during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month (September).
• Encourage the men in your life to talk to their doctors about prostate cancer.
• Share your story of prostate cancer with others.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PROSTATE CANCER

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