Prostate Cancer: Are You At Risk?

Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in American men. In fact, about one out of every nine American men will be diagnosed with the disease, which is why it’s important to know the most common risk factors.

Age
The likelihood of having prostate cancer increases rapidly starting at age 50. About 60 percent of cases of prostate cancer are detected in men older than 65. The average age at the time of diagnoses is 66.

Race
African-American men are 65 percent more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and more than twice as likely to die of the disease than white men.

Family History
Having a father or brother with prostate cancer more than doubles a man risk of developing the disease. The risk is much higher if there are several relatives who have had the disease, especially if the cancer developed when the relatives were young. Still, it’s important to remember that most men diagnosed with prostate cancer do not have a family history.

Screenings and Symptoms
There are usually no symptoms during the early stages of prostate cancer. That’s the reason it’s so important to talk to your doctor about having a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and/or a digital rectal exam. Here are some guidelines as to what age you should have that discussion.

Age 40 if you have the highest risk of prostate cancer—more than one first-degree relative (father, brother, son) who has been diagnosed with the disease.

Age 45 if you have a high risk of prostate cancer because you are African-American or have a father, brother or son who has been diagnosed with the disease at an early age (younger than 65).

Age 50 if you have an average risk for prostate cancer.

The following symptoms may appear with advanced prostate cancer:

  • Problems urinating: a slow or weak stream or the need to urinate frequently, especially at night.
  • Blood in the urine or semen
  • Erective dysfunction
  • Pain in the hips, back, spine, chest or ribs
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control
  • Weakness or numbness in the legs or feet

Source: American Cancer Society