2011 Cancer Committee Members - Erlanger Health System

Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men, and for reasons that remain unclear, incidence
rates are significantly higher in blacks than in whites. In 2010, 59 men were newly diagnosed and
treated for prostate cancer at the Erlanger Health System. This was 7% of the total 887 analytic cases reported
in 2010.
Per the American Cancer Society, it is estimated that there will be 240,890 men newly
diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2011 with an estimated 33,720 deaths from prostate
cancer in 2011, making prostate cancer the second-leading cause of cancer death in men.
The risks factors and symptoms are as follows:
Research has shown that men with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop prostate
cancer. A risk factor is something that may increase the chance of getting a disease. Studies have found the
following risk factors for prostate cancer.
Age: Age is the main risk factor for prostate cancer and the chance of a male getting prostate cancer increases
as he gets older. In the United States, about 63% of all prostate cancer cases are diagnosed in men
aged 65 and older. This disease is rare in men under 45.
Family history: A man’s risk is higher if his father, brother or son has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Recent genetic studies suggest that strong familial predisposition may be responsible for 5-10% of prostate
cancers.
Race/ethnicity: Prostate cancer is more common among black men than white or Hispanic/Latino men.
It is less common among Asian/Pacific Islander and American Indian/Alaska Native men.
Certain prostate changes: Men with cells called high grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) may be
at increased risk of prostate cancer. These prostate cells look abnormal under a microscope.
Certain Genome changes: Researchers have found specific regions on certain chromosomes that are linked
to the risk of prostate cancer. Recent studies show if a man has a genetic change in one or more of these
regions, the risk of prostate cancer may be increased.
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Prostate Cancer
Signs and Symptoms
A man with early prostate cancer may not have symptoms. For those with more advanced disease, individuals
may experience weak or interrupted urine flow, inability to urinate, difficulty starting or stopping the
urine flow, the need to urinate frequently, blood in the urine, or pain/burning with urination. Advanced
prostate cancer commonly spreads to the bones, which may cause pain in the hips, spine, ribs or other areas.
Detection and Diagnosis
Physicians may check for prostate cancer before a patient has symptoms. During an office visit, the physician
will ask about the patient’s personal and family medical history and he will perform a physical exam. Patients
may have one or both of the following tests:
Digital rectal exam: the physician inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum and feels the prostate
through the rectal wall. The prostate is examined for hard or lumpy areas.
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test: this simple blood test allows laboratory technicians to determine
PSA levels. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein that is normally secreted and disposed of by the
prostate gland. An elevated/high PSA level is commonly caused by BPH or prostatitis (inflammation of
the prostate), but also may be caused by prostate cancer.