Knowledge is Key in Prostate Cancer

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American Cancer Society says to know your risks and know your options when facing prostate cancer

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New York, NY (September 14, 2011) - While women know October is the time to schedule their annual mammogram, the American Cancer Society is reminding men that September, Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, is a perfect time to talk with their health care providers about this disease so they can make informed decisions about prostate health.

When Robert Cleaver was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1998, he had not heard much about the disease that now affects one in six men. But, this cancer survivor now wants men to know about it and discuss it. “It could save their lives” Cleaver said. At 80 years old, Cleaver is a facilitator of the American Cancer Society Man to Man Support Group in New Jersey.

Cleaver is one of the more than 2 million men in the United States that have had prostate cancer and are alive today. It is the most common form of cancer found in men, other than skin cancer, and is the second leading cause of death in men after lung cancer.

This year approximately 240,890 men will learn they have prostate cancer and more than 33,720 men will die from the disease. In New Jersey 7,840 men will be diagnosed this year, while 15,950 New York men will hear they have prostate cancer this year. African-American men are disproportionately affected by prostate cancer, having higher rates of prostate cancer diagnosis and death than men of all other racial or ethnic groups in the United States. Almost one third of prostate cancer cases are found in men during their prime years at work. When detected during these earliest stages the 5-year survival rate is close to 100%.

“We’re seeing major progress in the fight against prostate cancer,” said Dr. Alvaro Carrascal, Senior Vice President of Cancer Control for the American Cancer Society of New York and New Jersey. “Newer treatments are being developed, and current treatment methods are being improved.”

Still, prostate cancer kills an average of 1,100 men in New Jersey and 1,770 New York men each year. In an effort to educate and inform the public, the American Cancer Society recognizes September as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

Know Your Risk, Know Your Options

According to the American Cancer Society, asymptomatic men who have at least a 10-year life expectancy should have an opportunity to make an informed decision with their health care provider about screening for prostate cancer after receiving information about the uncertainties, risks, and potential benefits associated with screening. Men at average risk should receive this information beginning at age 50. Men at higher risk, including African American men and men with a first degree relative (father or brother) diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65, should receive this information beginning at age 45. Men at appreciably higher risk (multiple family members diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65) should receive this information beginning at age 40. Men should either receive this information directly from their health care providers or be referred to reliable and culturally appropriate sources.

“If you are diagnosed with prostate cancer,” said Dr. Carrascal “you need to know there’s no single treatment answer that’s right for everyone. You have many options.” Men should really discuss the pros and cons of each treatment option with their doctor and their family to find which one is right for them. The American Cancer Society can help with that discussion by using the Treatment Option Decision Tool found on cancer.org.

The American Cancer Society offers the Treatment Option Decision Tool and a wide variety of free programs and support services to help men facing prostate cancer get involved and find the answers they’re looking for. The American Cancer Society’s offers a 24-hour toll-free cancer information hotline, 1-800-227-2345 and cancer.org provide information and support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Information about Man to Man, a local prostate cancer education group is also available.

If you or someone you know have questions on prostate cancer, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or visit us on-line at www.cancer.org.

Additional Resources
American Cancer Society Guide to Prostate Cancer
Prostate Cancer Video Gallery
Prostate Cancer Treatment Decision Tool

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About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. As a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers, we fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight. As the nation’s largest non-governmental investor in cancer research, contributing more than $3.4 billion, we turn what we know about cancer into what we do. As a result, more than 11 million people in America who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will be celebrating birthdays this year. To learn more about us or to get help, call us any time, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.