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Prostate Cancer and Texas Oncology: I Can Fight
At Texas Oncology, we believe that it is important that you arm yourself with knowledge on prostate cancer and prostate cancer symptoms. A diagnosis of prostate cancer can result in understandable feelings of fear and anxiety. The simple process of learning about cancer treatments will have a calming effect, and the more you learn about your prostate cancer, the better prepared you will be to make important decisions about your cancer treatment options. Texas Oncology has prepared this prostate cancer guide as a first step to your education about prostate cancer and its risk factors, symptoms, prevention and treatments. With Texas Oncology, you can have advanced cancer treatment in Texas, and in your hometown.
What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer among men in the United States. Most prostate cancer begins in the gland cells of the prostate and is known as adenocarcinoma. Known as the silent killer, because men often do not have symptoms, prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths among men. Early detection is critical to survival. In fact, if prostate cancer is detected early, before the cancer spreads, patients have a nearly 100 percent chance of survival after five years. With early diagnosis and prostate cancer treatment improvements during the past 25 years, survival rates have increased dramatically for all stages of the disease.
What Causes Prostate Cancer?
While the exact causes of prostate cancer are not clear, a number of risk factors have been identified by the medical community, including the following:
- Age: Your risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age, with most cases occurring in men over the age of 50. Two out of three diagnoses, or about 64 percent, occur in men over the age of 65.
- Heredity: Having a father or brother with prostate cancer more than doubles a man’s risk of contracting the disease; however, genetic testing is not yet available.
- Race: African American men face a higher incidence of prostate cancer than do men of other races and are more likely to die from prostate cancer than any other ethnic group.
- Diet: Men who eat a lot of red meat or high-fat dairy products appear to have a slightly higher risk of contracting prostate cancer.
How Can Prostate Cancer Be Prevented?
While there is no sure way to avoid developing prostate cancer, certain nutritional and lifestyle changes may decrease your risk of developing the disease. Ongoing research in the areas of prostate cancer prevention and screening includes genetics, foods, vitamins/minerals and vaccines.
- Nutrition
- Eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily (tomatoes, pink grapefruit and watermelon are rich in substances that may help prevent prostate cancer).
- Reduce consumption of red meat and dairy products.
- Consumption of soy products may control testosterone levels, which are linked to prostate cancer.
- Ask your doctor about appropriate vitamin intake, such as vitamin E and selenium. These and other nutrients are being investigated as possible ways to lower the risk of prostate cancer.
- Lifestyle
- Schedule yearly prostate cancer screenings beginning at age 50. Men at high risk (African American men and men with a family history of prostate cancer before age 65) should begin testing at age 45. Prostate screenings should include the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test and DRE (digital rectal exam).
- Regular exercise may decrease the risk of prostate cancer.
- Since obesity can further complicate prostate cancer, maintain a healthy body weight.
What are Prostate Cancer Symptoms?
The following may be symptoms of prostate cancer; however, these may also be symptoms of other health conditions. If these symptoms are present, men are encouraged to consult their doctor for proper testing:
- Frequent need to urinate, especially at night
- Difficulty controlling urination or bowel movements
- Painful or burning urination
- Blood in urine or semen
- Difficulty in having an erection
- Painful ejaculation
- Frequent pain or stiffness in spine, hips, ribs, and other bones
- Weakness or numbness in the legs or feet
- Loss of appetite and weight
What are the Prostate Cancer Types?
The prostate contains several types of cells. The most common type of prostate cancer, adenocarcinoma, develops within the glandular cells. The two other types of prostate cancer, leiomyosarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma, are rare and develop in the tissues surrounding the gland.
What are the Prostate Cancer Treatment Options?
Prostate cancer, depending on the stage, may be treated by different members of the cancer center care team: urologists, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists. Consultation with each of these Texas Oncology specialists is encouraged where appropriate. Treatment options vary depending on how advanced the cancer is and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. Texas Oncology physicians will determine the most appropriate cancer treatment for each patient; however, possible options include surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy and chemotherapy. Another common option is watchful waiting, where the tumor is continually observed to monitor whether it is growing.
Texas Oncology cancer centers provide cancer treatment and hope to people throughout the Southwest with cancer and blood disorders. At Texas Oncology, we use the same leading edge technologies as the top cancer centers in the nation; bringing advanced cancer treatments to Texas. In addition, our support services team is committed to addressing the educational, emotional, financial and nutritional needs of our patients during their cancer treatment. We have local cancer centers throughout Texas, providing access to Texas Oncology cancer treatment in a location near you.
Prostate Cancer Facts and Statistics
- The prostate is a gland found only in men, which is located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum.
- Aside from skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer found in American men.
- On average, every man has a one in six (17%) chance of developing prostate cancer at some time in his life.
- The American Cancer Society estimated about 186.320 new cases of prostate cancer would be diagnosed in the United States in 2008.
- In the United States, one new case occurs every 2.5 minutes, and a man dies from prostate cancer every 19 minutes.
- Prostate cancer is expected to account for about 9% of all cancer related deaths among men in 2009.
- American men are 35% more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer than women with breast cancer.
- In Texas, it is estimated that more than 15,506 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed this year, and 1,895 men will die from the disease.
- The ten-year survival rate for all prostate cancer stages combined is estimated by the American Cancer Society to be about 91%.