Prostate cancer second leading cause of cancer death among U.S. men

Nov. 26--WICHITA FALLS, Texas -- Roughly 233,000 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in 2014, the American Cancer Society says.

That's why physicians like Dr. Michael Toulan, a local urologist, is urging men 50 years old and older to checked out for the disease.

"There are ways to reduce your risk of prostate cancer," he said in a news release from United Regional Health Care System. "And beginning at age 50, men should talk with their doctor about being screened."

The ACS website says there are more than 2.5 million survivors of prostate cancer in the United States, but about 30,000 will die from the cancer in 2014. It's the second leading cause of cancer death in men, roughly one in 36.

There are three risk categories men should be aware of including age, family history and race.

The ACS says more than 64 percent of men diagnosed with prostate cancer are 65 years old or older. A man's risk also increases if he has a father or brother diagnosed with the disease. African-American men are at a higher risk than any other racial or ethnic group, the society says.

Men are encouraged to have a Prostate Specific Antigen, or PSA, screening, the test used to help find cancer if there is any. While there are differing opinions on the need for a PSA, men should tell there doctors if there is any pain during urination; frequent urination, especially at night; pain in the upper thighs, hips or lower back; inability to urinate; or blood in semen or urine.

"Men with questions or concerns should discuss the potential benefits and risks of prostate cancer screening with their physician and make an informed decision," Toulan said. "Be sure to ask your doctor if screening makes sense for you."

Visit www.cancer.org/cancer/prostatecancer for more information.

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