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Prostate cancer is the most common occurring cancer in American men next to skin cancer. It is also the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men (11). The good news is that prostate cancer is generally slow growing and can be controlled if detected early. Prostate cancer has become more of a health concern as the American population increases its life expectancy. In the past, most men might die with prostate cancer, but not because of it (12). Prostate cancer often does not show symptoms until it has progressed for many years and many prostate cancer symptoms are similar to those of less dangerous conditions (12). Although prostate cancer is very common, not much is known about the risk factors or possible preventative factors surrounding this cancer compared to other cancers. However, studies are underway to try to determine how to best prevent prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer occurs mainly in men over the age of 65, and occurs much more frequently in African American men (11). Genetics also play a role in prostate cancer risk, especially among men with a first- degree relative (a father or brother) who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Men with first-degree relatives who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer have a greater risk of developing prostate cancer earlier in life (between the ages of 45 and 65) (12). Scientists are just beginning to study how diet and other environmental factors may or may not affect prostate cancer risk.
There are two ways to screen for prostate cancer. A PSA test is a blood test that looks for prostate-specific antigens that can indicate the presence of prostate cancer. It is commonly used in conjunction with a digital rectal exam. During a digital rectal exam a physician feels the prostate through the rectum to find lumps or hard areas (12). Most men should have a PSA test along with a digital rectal exam every year beginning at age 50. African American men and men with a first degree relative who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer should begin these screening tests at age 45 (11). There are currently two major studies underway to look at possible preventive strategies for prostate cancer. One study is looking at the ability of a drug called finasteride to prevent prostate cancer in men over the age of 55. 18,000 men from across the United States are enrolled in the project. This study began in 1993 and will follow participants for seven years while they take either finasteride or a placebo pill (13). Another study is looking at the effect of the dietary supplements selenium and vitamin E on prostate cancer. This study originated from two previous studies – one that was trying to determine if selenium was protective against skin cancer and another that was trying to determine if vitamin E was protective against lung cancer in smokers. While neither selenium or vitamin E showed protective effects for skin or lung cancer respectively, both showed protective effects for prostate cancer. This study began enrolling participants in July of 2001 (14). Visit http://cancer.gov/select for more information on SELECT.
www.prostatecancerfoundation.org
The Prostate Cancer Foundation funds high-impact research to find a cure and better treatments for prostate cancer.
www.nci.nih.gov/cancer_information/cancer_type/prostate/
The National Cancer Institute is a division of the National Institute of Health. They provide
funding and support for cancer research across the United States.
www.prostateinfo.com
The Prostate Cancer Information web site consists of comprehensive information for prostate
cancer patients as well as professionals. This web site provides information about the prostate
and prostate cancer, risk factors, tests for prostate cancer, treatment options, support
services, and more medical-related information for professionals.
Footnotes
1. http://www.nci.nih.gov/cancer_information/cancer_type/breast
2. ACS. Cancer Facts and Figures. 2002.
3. http://www.nabco.org/images/myth_fact_new.pdf
4. ACS. Cancer Facts and Figures. 2002.
5. http://www.nci.nih.gov/cancer_information/cancer_type/colorectal
6. ACS News Today. Eliminate Colorectal Cancer Act Moves To The Full Senate. July 18, 2002.
7. Healthy People 2010. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
8. http://www.lungusa.org/data/lc/lcp1.pdf
9. http://www.lungusa.org/data/smoke/SMK1.pdf
10. Behind the Smoke Screen: The Facts About Tobacco use in Colorado. Colorado Department
of Health and Environment. 1999
11. ACS. Cancer Facts and Figures. 2002.
12. Questions and Answers About Early Prostate Cancer. Cancer Facts. National Cancer Institute.
1999
13. Questions and Answers About the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial. Cancer Facts. National
Cancer Institute. 2000
14. Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT): Questions and Answers. Cancer
Facts. National Cancer Institute. 2001.
15. 5 A Day Program Evaluation Report. National Cancer Institute. 2000
16. http://www.usda.gov/cnpp/DietGd.pdf
This page reviewed and updated October 13, 2004.
Health information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for diagnosing or treating a health problem. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your health care provider.