Did you know that the main risk factor for prostate cancer is age? It is rarely seen in men under the age of 45 and the risk of getting prostate cancer increases after the age of 50. Almost 65 percent of men diagnosed with prostate cancer are over the age of 65. Further, 80 percent of men who reach 80 years of age have prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the second most common cause of death in men.
What is Your Risk?
Along with age, your family history plays a part in determining your risk. Your risk is doubled if a father or brother have prostate cancer according to the American Cancer Society, and the risk is even higher if multiple family members have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. In addition, prostate cancer is more common and more aggressive in African-American men, and when diagnosed is more likely to be in the advanced stages. Your diet may also contribute to your risk of getting prostate cancer. Men that eat a diet with lots of red meat and high-fat dairy products may have an increased risk for prostate cancer. A lifestyle that includes regular exercise and maintaining your appropriate weight may help to reduce your risk.
What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in a man's prostate gland, which is part of a man's reproductive system.
What are the Symptoms?
Prostate cancer often has no symptoms, especially in the early stages of the disease. Some symptoms that may occur include:
- Weak flow of urine
- Trouble starting and stopping the flow of urine
- Frequent and urgent need to urinate, especially at night
- Blood in the urine
- Pain or burning during urination
- Frequent pain in the lower back, hips or upper thighs
- Loss of weight and appetite, fatigue, nausea or vomiting
These symptoms can also be caused by other problems and conditions, such as a blockage in the urinary track. If you have any of the symptoms indicated above, you should arrange an appointment with your physician to discuss your symptoms.
Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer
Although you should discuss your medical screenings with your physician, the American Cancer Society recommends that all men age 50 and older have a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test to check for prostate cancer. The PSA test screens for markers of prostate cancer in a sample of your blood. A high level of PSA in your blood may prompt your physician to perform additional tests. Your physician may also perform a digital rectal examination to check for signs of prostate cancer.
Since prostate cancer often does not have any symptoms, this test may be done as part of your routine physical examination as a cancer screening procedure.
You physician may also order other tests such as:
- A transrectal ultrasound to look at the prostate
- A cystoscopy to exam the penis, urethra and bladder
- A transrectal biopsy which removes a sample of the prostate for examination
What Can You Do?
Ask your physician about including a PSA test as part of your routine examination. Your Service Benefit Plan coverage provides benefits for many cancer screening tests including a PSA test. If you have Standard Option and use a Preferred primary care physician, you pay $20 for the related office visit or examination and nothing for the PSA test. Under Basic Option if you use a Preferred primary care physician, you pay $25 for the office visit or exam and nothing for the PSA test.
For more information about benefits for routine examinations and cancer screening tests, see Section 5(a) of the 2010 Service Benefit Plan brochure.