Prostate Cancer is the most common type of cancer (excluding skin cancer) diagnosed in American men. In 2003, an estimated 220,900 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S.

Early Detection is Key

Early prostate cancer usually does not cause any symptoms, so early detection is important. It is usually diagnosed by a blood test (PSA) and digital rectal exam (DRE).

The overall prognosis for prostate cancer patients has dramatically improved compared with years ago. Over the past 20 years, the overall survival rates for all stages of prostate cancer combined have increased from 67% to 97%. This means more men are living longer after diagnosis.

Who is at Risk?

• More than 70% of all prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over age 65.
• Men who have a history of prostate cancer in their family (blood relatives only) can have a 2-to-11-fold increase in the risk of developing the disease.

The death rate for prostate cancer is more than 2 times higher in African-American men than in Caucasian men. Because of additional risk, earlier screening for prostate cancer is recommended for African-American men.

According to the American Cancer Society, men aged 50 and older, and those over the age of 45 who are in high-risk groups, such as African-American men and men with a family history of prostate cancer, should have a PSA blood test and digital rectal exam once every year.

For more information about prostate conditions and cancer, click here.

The sixth most common cancer in the United States, bladder cancer cases have risen at a steady pace in recent years. Over 50,000 people will be diagnosed with bladder cancer each year, with about 20 percent dying annually from the disease.

There is hope, however. With ongoing research and steady progress in treatment options, the mortality rates are slowing. As with any disease, early detection in key in slowing or eliminating the progression of bladder cancer.

Smoking and long-term chemical exposure (such as industrial paints and solvents) are contributing factors to bladder cancer, with smoking attributing to an estimated 50 percent of all cases.

Symptoms you should be aware of include:

• Painless blood in the urine (hematuria)
• Frequent Urination

Please note these symptoms can be a sign of many other conditions, such as kidney or bladder infections. Only a thorough exam by a qualified physician can give you a diagnosis. The physicians at Cleveland Urologic Surgery, PA are highly trained in the diagnosis and treatment of bladder and other urologic cancers.

For more information about bladder cancer, click here.

What is Kidney or upper urinary tract cancer?

Cancer of the upper urinary tract is a disease in which cancer cells are found in the tissues of the kidneys, and/or in the ureters that connect the kidneys to the bladder.

Inside the urinary tract and kidneys is a special lining that is part of the sophisticated filtering process of the blood. While providing a barrier system to eliminate waste from the body, the constant exposure to chemicals and carcinogens make it susceptible to abnormal cell growth. Long-term exposure to chemicals, radiation and tobacco increase the risk of developing ureter and renal cancer, the fifth most common non-skin malignancy in the United States.

What are the symptoms of upper urinary tract cancer?

Symptoms you should be aware of include:

• Painless blood in the urine (hematuria)
• Pain in the lower back or side, usually just one side

These symptoms can also indicate less serious conditions that can only be diagnosed through x-ray tests and examination by a qualified physician.

For more information about ureter and renal cancer, click here.

The testicles are egg-shaped and have a firm, spongy feel. Whenever a lump or a firm area is present in the testicular area, a urologist should examine it immediately. Although most commonly presenting with a painless mass in the testicle, some men with the onset of testicular cancer may complain of swelling, tenderness or enlargement. Since a tumor can quickly spread, early diagnosis is key in treatment and recovery. With a prompt diagnosis, testicular cancer is highly treatable and usually curable. A simple ultrasound and a blood test can help diagnose this cancer.

For more information on Testicular Cancer, click here.