Understanding Prostate Cancer

The Facts on Prostate Cancer

Risk Factors & Strategies to Reduce Your Risk

The following factors have been shown to increase your risk for Prostate Cancer

Modifiable Factors: The following actions are controllable, and therefore, you should do your best to avoid as many of these actions as possible. If something is unavoidable, be conscientious about your other actions to help combat the risk!

Non-Modifiable Factors: The following cannot be changed. However, these factors are important to know, so you can be cognizant of your lifestyle choices and understand the circumstances!

Help reduce your risk for Prostate Cancer with these choices

Symptoms & Early Detection

Symptoms

Symptoms

  • Trouble urinating
  • Abnormal, light stream when urinating
  • Blood Urination
  • Erectile Dysfunction
  • Blood in Semen
  • Abnormal Weight Loss

If any of the above persist, it is strongly encouraged that you schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss your options. (12)

Early Detection

5-Year Survival Rate by Stage

Percent Diagnosed by Stage

The following graphs show how important it is to detect prostate cancer during the early stages. When it is caught before the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, the 5 year survival rate is nearly 100%.

Who Should be Screened?

Typically, if you do not have any of the major risk factors, it is recommended that you consider being screened at age 50.

  • Age 50: No known, major risk factors
  • Age 45: African American individuals and those with an immediate family member (father, brother, etc) who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
  • Age 40: Those with two immediate family members (father, brother, etc) who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

It is important that you discuss your options and learn about the risks associated with prostate cancer testing before engaging in one of the exams. (13)

What to Expect at a Screening

Treatments for Prostate Cancer

  • Surgery: Removal of the prostate and surrounding tissue
  • Chemotherapy: Drugs designed to eliminate cancer cells
  • Radiation Therapy: Beams of high-energy rays to kill cancer cells
  • Targeted Therapy: Learn about PARP inhibitors for prostate cancer treatment
  • Immunotherapy: New research that leverages your immune system to attack cancer cells