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 AFRICAN AMERICAN MEN AND PROSTATE CANCER

 

 The prostate is a walnut-sized gland, just below the bladder and in front of the rectum.  The prostate produces part of the fluid that carries sperm. Prostate cancer develops when the cells of the prostate form small tumors that could potentially spread throughout the body.  

  •  African American men have the highest prostate cancer occurrence rates in the world.
  • About 5 in 100 African American men will eventually die of prostate cancer compared to about 3 in 100 White or Hispanic/Latino men. 
  • African American men are more than twice as likely to die from prostate cancer as White men. 
  • For unknown reasons, the prostate cancer that affects African American men seems to be a more aggressive cancer than found in other Americans.

 Risk Factors

 

 

  

Being African American

Family history of prostate cancer

45 years old or older

Lack of a healthy diet and regular exercise

                                                                               
Signs and Symptoms

What You Should Look For

 

Many men do not experience any signs or symptoms during the early stages of prostate cancer. When signs & symptoms do arise, they usually depend on how advanced the disease is. Once prostate cancer grows significantly or when the cancer spreads throughout the body, the following symptoms can be present:

  • Frequently urinating
  • Trouble staring & stopping while urinating
  • Weak or interrupted urine steam
  • Blood in the urine and/or semen

Management and Prevention

Treatment for prostate cancer is a decision you will make with the help of your doctor. If found early, there are 3 treatment options you have when: Active Surveillance, Surgery and Radiation.  For cancers that are more advanced or aggressive, treatments include hormone therapy and chemotherapy.  Common side-effects of these treatments include erectile dysfunction, and problems with urine & bowel functions.

DIAGNOSIS

How to Catch Prostate Cancer Early

There are two screening tests that can be done to detect prostate cancer. Right now, neither of these tests tell you for sure if you prostate cancer.  Only a biopsy can definitively tell you whether prostate cancer is actually present.

 

 

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test

This is a blood test that measures proteins produced by the prostate. A high PSA level can mean cancer is present or may indicate another underlying condition.  Not all abnormalities mean that cancer is present. For most men, a PSA greater than 4, or one that has increased rapidly since the last test, requires further testing.

Digital Rectal Exam

(DRE)

A digital rectal exam allows a doctor to estimate the size of the prostate and to check for lumps or other abnormal areas. This is done by inserting a gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum.

 

 

 PROSTATE ANATOMY

 MAJOR COMPLICATIONS

Spread of cancer

Prostate cancer can spread to    nearby organs or travel through your bloodstream and lymphatic system affecting your bones or other organs.

Difficulty Urinating (Incontinence)

 

Both prostate cancer and its treatment can cause incontinence or trouble urinating.

Erectile Dysfunction or Impotence

Like incontinence, ED can be a result of prostate cancer or its treatment, including surgery, radiation or hormone treatments