The prostate a gland just below the bladder in the male genital tract has the second highest incidence of cancer in the men. Prostate cancer strikes 86,000 men each year, most of them over the age of 53. One out of every 11 Caucasian men and one out of every nine African-American men will get prostate cancer. The risk of getting prostate cancer increases with age.

Are you at risk for prostate cancer? Take this brief quiz to determine if you are in a high-risk category for prostate cancer. Total up the scores as you take the quiz. If you score four or above, you are at risk for prostate cancer. If you are an African-American male, give your self two points. If you are a Caucasian male, give yourself one point. If a member of your family has had prostate cancer, you get two points. If you are over 40 years of age, give yourself two points. If you diet consists of meat, butter, and other foods with a high-fat content, you get one point. And if you have not undergone a medical check-up within the last 12 months you get one point. How did you do?

Cancer of the prostate usually involves enlargement of the gland. The prostate enlarges as a man ages. However, some enlargement which is not cancer occurs in about 50 percent of males over 50. 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, blood in the urine, weak or interrupted urinating, painful ejaculation, and /or pain in the lower back upper thighs. Be advised though that early prostate cancer usually does not cause symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they may be the same as benign problems. Any problem needs to be evaluated by a physician.

The American Cancer Society suggests that starting at the age of 40, a man should have a digital rectal exam annually. Through the rectum the doctor can feel for prostate enlargement or lumps. At the age of 50 a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test is called for in order to check the level of a protein secreted from the prostate. An increased PSA level indicates an enlarged prostate, a prostate infection, or more seriously, prostate cancer. If the tests above indicate an abnormality, ultrasound testing may be performed to pinpoint areas where a biopsy may be taken. The tissue from the biopsy is then checked under the microscope for cancerous cells.

It is important to follow up with you doctor if something unusual is found on the digital rectal exam or if your PSA level is high. If your doctor has ordered more tests or suggested repeating the PSA test, keep you appointments. Do not let fear keep you from having the tests you need to detect or help rule out cancer. Prostate cancer is most successfully treated when found early. Again, early prostate cancer may have no symptoms. It can only be found by regular prostate checkups.

With a doctor's prescription, the Fayette County Health Department can do PSA tests for $40. If you have any questions about prostate cancer call the Fayette County Health Department at 770-461-1178, ext. 416 or the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345. Don't wait until it is too late schedule yourself for a physical today!

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