ATLANTA (GA) - The Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR) wants men, their families, friends and colleagues to become educated about prostate cancer.

It is recommended that men in high-risk groups — including African-American men and men with a family history of prostate cancer — get checked at age 45 and get educated on the issues surrounding prostate cancer detection and treatment.

Being educated about this screening test allows men to be a partner with their healthcare provider in the decision making process.

Since Father’s Day falls in June, this is a great time to let the men in your life know you care by asking them to find out more about prostate cancer screening.

“I encourage all men, especially African-American men, to talk with their doctors about getting checked for prostate cancer,” said Stuart Brown, M.D., director of the DHR Division of Public Health. “Working with your doctor and making informed decisions around the issues of detection, treatment and management of prostate health is important.”

For men, prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in men, behind lung cancer deaths.

Georgians need to learn about the specifics of prostate cancer, so they will be able to determine what is best for them individually when it comes to detecting and combating the disease.

Not only are African-American men more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer than the general population, but they are also almost three times more likely to die from it.

There are some well-established risk factors associated with prostate cancer:

· Age - chances of developing prostate cancer rapidly increase after age 50;

· Family history - having a relative with prostate cancer increases the risk for developing prostate cancer.

African-American men are more likely to develop prostate cancer; are more likely to be diagnosed at an advanced stage, and are more likely to die from it.

For additional information about prostate cancer or for more information about having regular check-ups for cancer and various important medical screenings visit: http://www.livehealthygeorgia.org/maleScreening.shtml.
###

login to post comments