Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, except for skin cancers. There is increasing risk with age, and in African-American men. The prostrate is a gland in the male reproductive system.

There is much discussion among health care professionals about the usefulness of screening for prostate cancer in men without any symptoms. Talk to your healthcare provider about digital rectal exams, and blood tests for prostate serum antigen (PSA) as screening tools for prostate cancer.

Signs and symptoms of prostate cancer can include the following:
* weak or interrupted urine flow,
* the need to urinate frequently, especially at night,
* blood in the urine,
* pain or burning on urination, and
* continuing pain in lower back, pelvis, or upper thigh.

If you are experiencing any of the above, consult your doctor. These signs and symptoms might mean you have a prostate condition or another problem requiring medical attention.

Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy are all used to treat prostate cancer. Observation, without treatment, may also be an option. For some individuals, especially those over age 70, treatment may be less tolerable than prostate cancer. Many older men may live many years with untreated prostate cancer.

Many times prostate cancer is often found when the cancer is at an early stage. Most prostate cancer grows very slowly. The five-year survival rate for localized prostate cancer is 98 percent. Many communities have prostate cancer support groups. Call your local health department or local hospital for the number in your community. Or call the American Cancer Society at (800) ACS-2345 or the National Cancer Institute at (800) 4-CANCER for more information about prostrate cancer.

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