Healthcare - Health Tips - Men's Health

THINGS MEN SHOULD KNOW ABOUT PROSTATE CANCER
TRICARE^®

Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer among men in the United States.  Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men in the United States, after lung cancer, and the seventh leading cause of death overall for men in this country.

Prostate cancer is most successfully treated when it is diagnosed early, when there may be no or minimal symptoms.  Usually if the diagnosis is made early, it was made from a blood test or a digital examination.  As the disease advances, symptoms may include difficult or frequent urination, blood in the urine or bone pain.

According to the American Cancer Society, several factors can affect the risk of developing prostate cancer:

• Risk increases with age.  About 2 out of every 3 prostate cancers are found in men over the age of 65.
• Prostate cancer is more common among African-American men than among Caucasian men.  It occurs less commonly in Asian men than in Caucasians.
• Prostate cancer is more common in North America and northwestern Europe than in Asia, Africa, Central and South America.
• Men with close Family members (father or brother) are at higher risk, especially if their relatives got the disease when they were young.
• A diet high in red meat or high-fat dairy products appears to increase prostate cancer risk.  The American Cancer Society advises that men eat 5 or more servings of vegetables and fruits each day and eat less red meat and high-fat dairy products to reduce risk.
• In one study, men who were over the age of 65 who exercised vigorously had a lower rate of prostate cancer.

There are tests that can assist in identifying early prostate cancer.  There are risks associated with early screening since the testing may lead to biopsies and treatments associated with complications.  It is extremely important that men talk with their doctors about the benefits, risks, side effects, and questions about early prostate cancer tests and treatment in order to make the decision that is right for them individually.

Prostate cancer screening consists of two examinations:

• A blood test that measures levels of Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)
• A physical exam of the prostate

We encourage TRICARE^® beneficiaries to learn the risks, watch for early signs of cancer and talk to health care providers when they see or feel anything unusual.  Remember, good health begins with you.

Resources

You can learn more about prostate cancer from the American Cancer Society and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Cancer Prevention and Control websites:

• http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/ProstateCancer/
• http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/prostate

Health Tips from Army Medicine
December 2002