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.

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