• More than 186,000 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2008.
• While about 1 in every 6 American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in his life, only 1 in 35 will die from this condition.
• Currently, about 2 million American men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer have survived the condition and are still alive
• Almost 29,000 American men will die from prostate cancer in 2008.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a condition in which abnormal cells grow and form a malignancy on the prostate which is a small, round gland that produces seminal fluid – the fluid that transports sperm. The prostate gland is located near a man's urethra and depends on adequate levels of testosterone to function properly.

Aside from skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer affecting American men. As with other cancers, the best possible outcomes for prostate cancer come with early detection and treatment.

Prostate Cancer Causes & Risk Factors
Currently, the exact cause of prostate cancer is unknown. As researchers continue investigating the specific causes of this condition, the medical community has already identified a number of risk factors that contribute to development of prostate cancer.

Risk factors for prostate cancer are:

• Age: Older men are at a higher risk of developing prostate cancer than men under 40 years of age. Most men will start having an elevated risk of prostate cancer after the age of 50. In fact, prostate cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men over 75-years old.
• Diet: A diet high in fat can increase a man's chances of developing prostate cancer. Although the link between high-fat diets and prostate cancer is still unclear, some experts theorize high fat intake increases the body's production of testosterone, which may, in turn, promote abnormal cell growth on the prostate gland.
• Ethnicity: African American men have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer than men of other ethnicities. The cause of this increased risk in African Americans is currently unknown. In contrast, Japanese men have the lowest risk of prostate cancer when other risk factors are not considered.
• Genetic History: Those related to someone who has suffered from prostate cancer are more likely to develop this condition, especially if the affected individual was a brother or father.
• High Testosterone Levels: Testosterone, the male sex hormone, is the key to prostate gland growth and function; however, in abnormally high concentrations, testosterone can cause prostate abnormalities which may contribute to the development of prostate cancer. As a result, men receiving testosterone therapy have an elevated risk of developing prostate cancer.

For a thorough analysis of your particular risks, request a consultation with one of our physicians who can give you a comprehensive exam and evaluation.