Should I be concerned?

Yes! Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer for men. In 2009, nearly 25 500 men will be diagnosed and 4 400 will die from the disease.

What causes prostate cancer?

There is no single cause but some factors can increase the chances of getting it.

Age – 80% of the cases occur after age 60. Family history. Being of African descent.

How can I reduce my risk?

Leading a healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk of prostate cancer.

• Reach and keep a healthy weight.
• Be physically active on a daily basis.
• Eat a lower fat diet.
• Eat more vegetables and fruit.

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

The following signs or symptoms do not usually indicate that prostate cancer is present; however, if any occur they should be discussed with your health care provider:

• Need to urinate often, especially at night.
• Intense need to urinate (urgency).
• Difficulty in starting or stopping urine flow.
• Inability to urinate.
• Weak, decreased, or interrupted urine stream.
• A sense of incompletely emptying the bladder.
• Burning or pain during urination or ejaculation.
• Blood in the urine or semen.
• Constant pain in the lower back, pelvis or upper thighs.

Is there a standard prostate cancer-screening program?

There are no prostate cancer-screening programs in Canada for healthy men without any symptoms. In general, a population wide prostate screening program is not recommended because there is no firm evidence that it will reduce illness or death from prostate cancer. All men over the age of 50 should discuss their prostate cancer risk with their health care provider.

What early detection tests are available?

There are a number of tests that your health care provider may consider as part of his or her assessment.

A DRE involves examining the prostate through the rectum wall. A doctor places a gloved finger into the rectum to feel if the prostate gland has any bumps, irregularities, or changes in size.

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)

The PSA test involves having a blood test that looks for levels of PSA, a substance produced by the prostate gland. If your PSA is higher than normal, more tests will be done. It is helpful to know that although high PSA levels may indicate the presence of cancer, a large prostate and/or other prostate problem can also cause high levels. Two out of three men who have a high PSA will not have prostate cancer.

What else can I do to help reduce the potential risk?

No matter what you do, there is no guarantee that you will not get prostate or any other cancer. Leading a healthy lifestyle and having regular health checkups, including prostate health assessment, can improve your overall health and well-being.

KEY REFERENCES:

Canadian Cancer Society’s Steering Committee (2009). Canadian cancer statistics 2009. Toronto: Canadian Cancer Society.

Centre For Effective Practice, Canadian Cancer Society & Cancer Care Ontario (2009). Testing for cancer my options my choice. Toronto: Canadian Cancer Society.