Men's Health
Prostate Cancer
The prostate, a gland just below the bladder in the male genital tract, has the second highest incidence of cancer in men next to skin cancer. Prostate cancer will be found in an estimated 165,000 men each year, most of them over the age of 65. An estimated 35,000 men will die of the disease each year.
Who gets prostate cancer?
Most men who get prostate cancer are 65 years of age or older, and the risk increases with age. Incidence rates are higher among blacks and men with a family history of prostate cancer.
What are the symptoms?
Cancer of the prostate usually involves enlargement of the gland. However, some enlargement occurs in about 50% or more of US males. While this enlargement should be investigated, it does not in itself mean cancer.
Any prostate enlargement can lead to a variety of urinary problems such as difficulty in urinating or controlling urination, the need to urinate frequently, painful or burning urination or blood in the urine.
How is prostate cancer found?
The American Cancer Society recommend that every man 40 and over should include a digital rectal exam in his annual health checkup. A new technique called prostate-specific antigen blood testing, should be performed every year on men 50 and over.
Another technique, prostate ultrasound, may reveal cancers too small to be detected by physical examination. This new approach may be of special benefit to men who are at high risk. If a suspicious area is found, you will receive more extensive tests, including special x-rays and an analysis of urine and blood. The physician makes a final diagnosis from a biopsy, the removal of a small piece of tissue from the area for examination under a microscope.
How is it treated?
You health care provider may use on or more of the following methods: surgery, hormone treatments, radiation or anticancer drugs. The choice depends on the stage of the cancer and your age and health. Surgery or radiation therapy may be The treatment chosen to cure prostate cancer if it is found in an early, localized stage. Hormone treatment and anticancer drugs also may control this cancer for long periods by shrinking the size of the tumor and greatly relieving pain.
Currently men diagnosed with localized prostate cancer have a five year survival rate of 91%
Testicular Cancer
Cancer of the testes, the male reproductive gland, is one of the most common cancers in men 15 to 34 years of age. It accounts for 3% of all cancer deaths in this group. If discovered in the early stages, testicular cancer can be treated promptly and effectively. It's important for you to take time to learn the basic facts about this type of cancer, its symptoms, treatment and what you can do to get the help you need when it counts.
A major risk factor
Men who have an undescended or partially descended testicle are at a much higher risk of developing testicular cancer than others. However, it is a simple procedure to correct the undescended testicle condition. See your health care provider if this applies to you.
What are the symptoms?
The first sign of testicular cancer is usually a slight enlargement of one of the testes and a change in its consistency. Pain may be absent, but often there is a dull ache in the lower abdomen and groin, together with a sensation of dragging and heaviness.
What can I do?
Your best hope for early detection of testicular cancer is a simple three minute monthly self-examination. The best time is after a warm bath or shower when the scrotum skin is most relaxed. Roll each testicle gently between the thumb and fingers of both hands. If you find any lumps or nodules, you should see your health care provider promptly. They may not be malignant, but only your health care provider can make the diagnosis. Following a thorough physical examination, your doctor may perform certain x-ray studies to make the most accurate diagnosis possible.
What is the treatment?
Surgery is usually the preferred treatment and in certain cases may be used together with radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
A good chance of cure
Although the five year survival rate for all cases of testicular cancer is 87%, the most common type of testicular cancer, seminoma, has a survival rate approaching 100% in cases that are detected and treated early.