Men
Prostate Health
The National Prostate Cancer Coalition reports that one in six men will get prostate cancer, but if caught early, nearly 100% survive. The risk of prostate cancer increases with age and obesity. Doctors recommend annual PSA tests after age 50.
How common is prostate cancer?
According to Prostate Cancer Foundation they state "Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer in the US (excluding skin cancer), and the second leading cause of cancer in men worldwide. 1 in 8 US men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives."
Who is at risk?
- All men
- Age. The older the man the higher the risk of getting prostate cancer.
- Race. African American men and Caribbean men of African ancestry are more at risk of getting prostate cancer than any other race.
- Geography. Most common in North America, Northwestern Europe, Australia, and on Caribbean islands. Less common in Asia, Africa, Central America, and South American.
- Family history. Has there been any men in your family that has had prostate cancer?
- Gene changes. Gene mutation increases the risk.
- Diet. Adopt an "anti-inflammatory diet"
- low in meat, sugar, processed foods, and dairy products
- less calories
- more bright colored vegetables
- Exercise and maintain a healthy weight
- Watch your calcium intake
- Swap red meat for plant based protein and fish
- Incorporate cooked tomatoes
- Avoid smoking
- Seek medical treatment for the following:
- Stress
- High blood pressure
- diabetes
- high cholesterol
- depression
- Avoid over-supplementation with megavitamins
- For men 45 years and older discuss with your provider the risks and a PSA screening test
The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) measurement is a blood test. PSA is an enzyme measured in the blood that can rise naturally as men age or if prostate abnormalities are present. Elevated levels often indicate prostate cancer, but may be related to other problems such as infection. Clinicians use the PSA in conjunction with other tests to assess prostate health.
The PSA, for males age 50 and over, is a blood test to be used as a screening tool by physicians and should only be used in conjunction with a doctor's physical exam.
Fasting is required for the basic blood profile. Therefore, participants should not eat or drink anything other than water for 8 to 12 hours prior to the blood draw. Test results will sent by mail to participants and their physicians.
The Department reminds residents that they offer the PSA blood test in conjunction with an in-depth Chem Screen/CBC basic blood profile.
- Trouble urinating
- decreased force in the stream of urine
- Blood in urine
- Blood in the semen
- Bone pain
- Losing wight without trying
- Erectile dysfunction
- 6 out of 10 cases are men that are 65 and older who have been diagnosed
- Age 66 is the average age for men to be diagnosed
- 1 in 41 men will die of prostate cancer
- 3.1 million men have been diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their life are still alive today
- From 2012-2018 the survival rate is 96.8%
- 268,490 is the estimated new cases in 2022
- 34,500 is the estimated deaths in 2022