What Men Need to Know About Prostate Cancer

Wednesday, June 19, 2002

ROCHESTER, MINN. — Prostate cancer is now the most common cancer in men and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men. Half of all men will experience some kind of prostate problem in their lifetime, according to the book Mayo Clinic on Prostate Health (soft-cover, $14.95, ISBN 1-893005-03-8).

Prostate conditions are often easily treated — even cancer. The key to a good outcome is early diagnosis. To maintain prostate health, and health in general, the three most important steps you can take are to eat well, keep physically active and see your doctor regularly.

If you are 40 years or older, it's important to have a yearly prostate checkup. This can be done by your family physician. If there are questions concerning your test results, your doctor may recommend that you see a urologist.

It also is important to know the early warning signs of prostate disease: increased urination, difficulty urinating, pain while urinating, lower pelvic and back pain or blood in your urine or semen. If you experience any of these symptoms, discuss them with your doctor as soon as possible.

Unlike other cancers, you're more likely to die with prostate cancer than you are to die of it. On average, an American man has about a 30 percent risk of having prostate cancer, but only about a 3 percent risk of dying from the disease. While prostate cancers usually grow slowly, some forms are more aggressive, so prompt diagnosis and consideration of treatment options is essential.

To choose the best treatment for you, here are some of the questions the book recommends you ask your doctor:

1. What options are available to me?
2. Do you think the cancer can be cured with treatment? If so, what are the chances?
3. Which treatment would you recommend, and why?
4. What are my risks of lasting side effects, such as impotence or incontinence?
5. How soon will I be able to return to work?

Mayo Clinic Health Information is offering a free booklet, "10 Medical Tests Every Man Needs." Write to Mayo Clinic Health Information — Men's Medical Tests booklet offer — OE-6, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55095. Or, order the book Mayo Clinic on Prostate Health, ($14.95 plus shipping, handling and applicable sales tax) by calling 800-291-1128, ext. 714, and receive the booklet free with your purchase.

Revenues from sales of Mayo Clinic books are used to help support Mayo Clinic programs, including medical education and research.

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Contact:
Lee Aase
507-266-2442 (days)
507-284-2511 (evenings)
e-mail: newsbureau@mayo.edu

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