For the month of September we promote Prostate Cancer Awareness
Tell your father, brother, husband, son and friend to include a prostate cancer examination as part of their annual check-up it could save their life, early detection is the best defense.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among American men, causing more than 40,000 deaths annually. Although it can occur in men of all ages, it most often strikes those over the age of 65. Scientists are just beginning to study why prostate cancer is more prevalent in African-American men than in any other population, and are focusing closely on the role of inherited factors. For every 100,000 African-American men, for example, about 181 will have prostate cancer this year, 54 of whom will die from the disease.
Prostate Cancer is a leading killer of Black Men. Despite this, African Americans, and Black Men worldwide, are underrepresented in important medical research to find treatments and as patients to help save their lives.
Prostate cancer occurs in the prostate gland, which is located just below a male's bladder and surrounds the top portion of the urethra, the tube that drains urine from the bladder.
Close Prostate cancer Prostate cancer is cancer that occurs in a man's prostate — a small walnut-shaped gland that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men. Prostate cancer usually grows slowly and initially remains confined to the prostate gland, where it may not cause serious harm. While some types of prostate cancer grow slowly and may need minimal or no treatment, other types are aggressive and can spread quickly.
Prostate cancer that is detected early — when it's still confined to the prostate gland — has a better chance of successful treatment.
Symptoms
Prostate cancer may not cause signs or symptoms in its early stages. Prostate cancer that is more advanced may cause signs and symptoms such as:
Trouble urinating
Decreased force in the stream of urine
Blood in your urine
Blood in your semen
Swelling in your legs
Discomfort in the pelvic area
Bone pain
When to see a doctor
Risk factors
Factors that can increase your risk of prostate cancer include:
Older age. The risk of prostate cancer increases with age. Prostate cancer is most common in men over 65.
Being black. Black men have a greater risk of prostate cancer than do men of other races. It's not clear why this is.
Family history of prostate cancer. If men in your family have had prostate cancer, your risk may be increased.
Obesity. Obese men diagnosed with prostate cancer are more likely to have advanced disease that's more difficult to treat.
http://malecare.org/african-americans-and-prostate-cancer/
