Cancer services

Prostate cancer

What you should know about prostate cancer
Yale-New Haven Hospital believes in helping people become actively involved in monitoring their own health by providing exceptional health information and health care services. In recent years, the early detection of prostate cancer has saved literally thousands of men's lives across the U.S.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer seen at Yale-New Haven Hospital. In the U.S., it is the leading cancer diagnosed in men and is also the second leading cause of cancer death after lung cancer. Mortality rates are more than twice as high for African-American men than white men. However, when detected early, prostate cancer has one of the highest cure rates.

Early detection of prostate cancer
You should be aware of the warning signs and risk factors for prostate cancer. The PSA (prostate specific antigen) blood test and regular prostate examinations continue to be the best ways to detect prostate cancer and should be performed according to screening guidelines. Researchers at the Yale Cancer Center hope to bring about improvements in the way prostate cancer is treated by testing promising new therapies in clinical trials. If you need a physician, call (203) 688-2000 or try Yale-New Haven Health Physician Referral Online.

Warning signs
The prostate gland is a small gland found deep in the pelvis, between the bladder and the penis. It produces the white fluid that is part of semen. Discuss any prostate changes with your doctor or urologist.

Cancer of the prostate is found mainly in older men. As you get older, the prostate often gets bigger and blocks the urethra or bladder, making it difficult to urinate and interfering with sexual functions. The condition, called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), can be corrected with surgery or medication. The symptoms of BPH or of other problems in the prostate may be similar to symptoms for prostate cancer. Changes to watch for include:

• weak or interrupted urine flow
• inability to urinate
• difficulty starting or stopping the urine flow
• the need to urinate frequently, especially at night
• blood in the urine
• pain or burning on urination or ejaculation
• continuing pain in the lower back, pelvis or upper thighs.

Risk factors
As you get older, your risk of prostate cancer increases. In fact, more than 75 percent of all prostate cancers are diagnosed in men age 65 and older. Other risk factors may include:

• a personal or family history of prostate cancer
• being African American; the risk is twice that for white men.
• a high-fat diet, which may double the risk of prostate cancer.
• high plasma testosterone

More frequent prostate exams and PSA tests are advised for men who are African American or have a family history or prostate cancer.

Screening guidelines
Yale-New Haven Hospital follows the guidelines of the American Cancer Society in recommending the following schedule:

• Men age 50 and older who have at least a 10-year life expectancy should talk to their health care provider about having a digital rectal exam and PSA test every year.
• Men at higher risk should consider beginning these tests earlier, at about age 40.

Cancer genetic counseling

• Genetic counseling information

Next page: Diagnosing prostate cancer

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Last revised: May 2, 2007 (dh)

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