Self-Evaluation for Prostate Cancer

	Prostate Anatomy
	emotional support
	self-Evaluation
	testing and staging


	Self Evaluation

Be aware of your risk for prostate cancer
The key to successful prostate cancer treatment is early detection. This is especially true when the prostate cancer is the less-common but more malignant rapidly-growing type.

Early detection of prostate cancer depends on awareness of prostate cancer and its risk factors. Since there are often no symptoms, be aware of your risk and the possible signs of prostate cancer. Awareness can save your life. A self-evaluation can help you determine your risk and identify possible symptoms of prostate cancer.

Determine your risk
All men are at some risk of prostate cancer but age, ethnic group and family history can increase the risk of prostate cancer. In addition, there is some indication that diet and lack of physical activity may also increase the risk.

You are at greater risk of prostate cancer if:
• You are 50 or older. If you are 65 or older, you are at even greater risk. 70% of all prostate cancer is diagnosed in men 65 or older.

• You are an African American. African American men and Jamaican men of African descent have the highest prostate cancer incidence rates in the world.

• You live in North America or Northwestern Europe, where the disease is more common than in Asia, Africa, Central America, and South America.

• Your father and/or brother(s) had or have prostate cancer.

Know the symptoms
Early prostate cancer often does not cause symptoms. That is why a yearly Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test and digital rectal exam (DRE) are important for men 50 and older (45 for those at higher risk of prostate cancer).

Be aware of possible symptoms that may appear between your annual tests. Having one or more of the following symptoms may not indicate prostate cancer-but then again, it might.

Do you:

• Need to urinate frequently, especially at night?

• Have difficulty starting urination or holding back urine?

• Have an inability to urinate?

• Have weak or interrupted urine flow?

• Have painful or burning urination?

• Have difficulty achieving an erection?

• Have painful ejaculation?

• Have blood in your urine or semen?

• Have frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs?

If you answer "yes" to one or more of these symptoms, see your doctor. Early detection of prostate cancer can save your life.

Have more questions? Click here to find a doctor in your area.