Prostate Cancer

An estimated 180,400 new cases in the US during 2000. Prostate cancer incidence rates
remain significantly higher in African American men than in white men. Between 1989
and 1992, prostate cancer incidence rates increased dramatically, probably due to earlier
diagnosis in men without any symptoms, by increased use of prostate-specific antigen
(PSA) blood test screenings. Prostate cancer incidence rates are now declining; rates
peaked in 1992 among white men and in 1993 among African American men.
An estimated 31,900 deaths in 2000, the second leading cause of cancer death in men.
During 1992 to 1996, prostate cancer mortality rates declined significantly. Although
mortality rates are declining among white and African American men, rates in African
American men remain more than twice as high as rates in white men.

Signs and Symptoms:-

Weak or interrupted urine flow; inability to urinate, or difficulty starting or stopping the
urine flow; the need to urinate frequently, especially at night; blood in the urine; pain or
burning on urination; continual pain in lower back, pelvis, or upper thighs. Most of these
symptoms are nonspecific and may be similar to those caused by benign conditions such
as infection or prostate enlargement.

Risk Factors:-

The incidence of prostate cancer increases with age; more than 75 percent of all prostate
cancers are diagnosed in men over age sixty- five. African Americans have the highest
prostate cancer incidence rates in the world; the disease is common in North America and
Northwestern Europe and is rare in Asia, Africa, and South America. Recent genetic
studies suggest that strong fa milial predisposition may be responsible for 5 percent to 10
percent of prostate cancers. International studies suggest that dietary fat may also be a
factor.