Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men and the leading cause of cancer death for men.

The American Cancer Society expects more than 218,000 cases of prostate cancer to be diagnosed in the United States this year, with 27,000 deaths. Here in Georgia, the Society estimates that 5,850 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed, with 630 deaths. Society figures also show that the prostate cancer death rate is twice as high for African-American men than for Caucasian men.

But the good news is that a simple blood test called a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test and a digital rectal exam can detect prostate cancer early. If your doctor is concerned with the results of your test, he or she will recommend a biopsy that can determine whether you have prostate cancer.

Make sure that the men in your family are around for future family celebrations. Remind them to get a prostate screening now. It can save their lives.

Rich Lapin, member, board of directors of the Georgia Prostate Cancer Coalition

Atlanta, Ga.

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