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Project Brotherhood Facts about prostate cancer
Roughly 1 in 6 men will develop prostate cancer. With early intervention, however, most cases can be successfully treated. Because most men with early-stage prostate cancer DO NOT experience any symptoms, every adult man should see his doctor for regular physical exams and to talk about personal risk factors.
Prostate cancer signs & symptoms
- Trouble urinating, such as weak or interrupted urine stream
- Constant urge to urinate, especially at night
- Pain or burning when urinating
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Painful ejaculation
- Nagging pain in the back, hips or pelvis
Men who experience any of these symptoms should contact their physician.
Who's most at risk?
- Men with a family history of the disease.
- Men over 65. The risk increases as a man gets older.
- African-Americans. Scientists aren't sure how race place a role, but there's no doubt it does.
- Men who eat a lot of red meat and high-fat dairy products.
Prevention
All men should be tested annually for prostate cancer. African-American men should start at age 45; Caucasians, Hispanics and Asians at age 50. Regular exercise and a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes can help reduce your cancer risk. Aim for at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
Screening guidelines
Two quick, simple tests can check for the disease:
- Digital rectal exam: The doctor feels the prostate through the rectal wall, checking for hard or lumpy areas.
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test: PSA is a protein produced in the prostate. High levels could indicate that cancer is present.
Contact the Project Brotherhood cancer screening and education program at (203) 867-5479 or e-mail ProjectBrotherhood@srhs.org.
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