Are Black Men Really At More Risk From Prostate Cancer Than White Men?
By Donald Saunders
A quick look at any of the literature will tell you that black men are more likely to die from prostate cancer than white men and most statistics agree that the risk for African Americans is about two and a half times that of white Americans. But are these statistics misleading?
It's well known that there are variations in disease rates between different countries and that, for example, America has the highest rate of obesity of any country and Japan the lowest. But this has very little to do with the passport you hold or the color of your skin and a great deal to with your diet. So why is it that African Americans and white Americans differ so widely when it comes to prostate cancer deaths since they are both members of a common society?
Well, the answer might just lie in a study conducted recently involving a mixed race group of 337 men between the ages of 40 and 75 from North Carolina who were diagnosed between 2001 and 2004 with prostate cancer.
The study looked at a variety of factors including family history, screening history, symptoms, treatment, the presence of other medical problems, access to medical care, the men's relationships with their doctors, their attitudes towards health care and health care providers, employment, income and whether or not the men carried health insurance.
The study found that more than half of the black men earned under $40,000 a year compared to less than a quarter of white men who fell into this income group. The study also found that black men were more likely to have blue-collar jobs, to be educated to a lower standard, to have additional medical conditions and to be unemployed as the result of illness or disability.
The study also found that only three percent of white men had no medical insurance, compared to eight percent of black men and that one-third of white men has some form of supplemental Medicare coverage, compared to seventeen percent of black men.
Perhaps most interestingly the study reported that both black men and white men were equally well informed about the risks posed by prostrate cancer and the need for treatment, but the black men demonstrated a greater sense of responsibility for their own health and were less likely to trust their doctors. Indeed many were suspicious of their doctors and felt that their decisions were more likely to be based on the cost of treatment, rather than on the needs of the patient.
On the important question of screening for the early detection of prostate cancer, black men were less likely to have regular check-ups, digital rectal examinations or PSA blood tests.
Putting all of the data together, it became clear that a significant different between the two groups lay in the lack of early detection in the case of black men resulting in no small part from the fact that they did not have as well established relationships with their doctors, had poor access to affordable and convenient care and lacked the necessary medical insurance.
So what does this mean in terms of the statistical difference when it comes to prostate cancer deaths between African Americans and white Americans? Well, although it's difficult to put numbers to this study and further studies would be necessary to be certain, it would appear that much of the difference does not result from the fact that black men are more likely to contract prostate cancer but simply from the fact that they are more likely to die from prostate cancer because of its late detection.
Clearly the answer doesn't lie in the disease itself but in society's provision of healthcare.
ProstateCancerExplained.com provides information on a wide range of topics including the prostate gland, an enlarged prostate, prostatitis, prostate surgery and finding a cure for prostate cancer.
Facts and Alternatives Regarding Treatments for Prostate Cancer
By Groshan Fabiola
Patients who suffer from prostate cancer have many alternatives to treat their affection but they should know all the opinions and investigate therapies before they choose the treatment that suits them. In addition to this, a patient who decides to use any alternative of complementary approaches needs to take into consideration the doctor's advice and start a treatment in a short time.
First of all, a person who suffer from prostate cancer should ask for a second opinion, inform himself from books or internet about his condition and also take along detailed list of questions and record the answers. Moreover, the patient shoud be aware of the doctor's experience in treating prostate cancer and also that the doctors in charge should treat the whole patient, not just the prostate and not in the last place the family or a friend support may help a lot.
Furthermore, choosing a treatment for prostate cancer can be a hard task for the patient and for the doctors as well. The treatments are divided in certain groups and each procedure is performed by a specialist. For instance, radiation oncologists in radiation, urologists usually specialize in surgery and cryoablation, both internal and external and usually used alone or in combination. Each type of treatment seem to bring successfully results, including no immediate treatment other than careful observation for elder men.
On the other hand, these types of treatments like surgery, cryoablation and radiation can have side effects, such as impotence and incontinence. Moreover, other side effects are loss of the sex drive, weight gain and also by performing hormonal therapy, the amount of testosterone in the bloodstream is reduced and thereby deprives a prostate tumor of a necessary stimulus, used to extend life and delay the disease to progress.
Moreover, many clinical trials are testing new treatments for prostate cancer and patients can choose the right treatment depending on the type of cancer that they have. So, some of the experimental treatments which seem to be quite effective are: chemotherapy which uses new drugs in order to help men with advanced prostate cancer, immunotherapy which helps the body to fight against cancer and also neoadjuvant hormonal therapy that has the role in reducing the prostate tumor in order to increase success rates of surgery or radiation.
All in all, people who suffer from prostate should weight carefully the options and choose the right procedure in a short time. Moreover, immunotherapies may help men with late-stage cancer and also some of these therapies can be used to prevent recurrence of cancer following surgery or radiation.
For more information about prostate cancer treatment and about prostate please review this web site http://www.prostate-cancer-center.com
Nurse's Report - What You Need To Know About Prostate Cancer And Its Treatment
By Helen Hecker
Like other cancers, the cause of prostate cancer is not known; it appears to be more common in African American men and men with a family history of the disease. About one man in six will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime, but only one man in 34 will die of the disease.
The prostate gland is located directly beneath the bladder and in front of the rectum. The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system. It's estimated that approximately 234,460 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year, and approximately 27,350 will die of the disease. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men in the U.S.
Having one or more cancer symptoms does not necessarily mean that you have prostate cancer. Weak or interrupted flow of urine and painful or burning urination can be symptoms to watch out for. One symptom is a need to urinate frequently, especially at night.
There are several symptoms to be aware of. One of the most common symptoms is the inability to urinate at all. Other symptoms might include unintentional weight loss and lethargy.
A bone scan can indicate whether the cancer has spread or not. A PSA test with a high level can also be from a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. There is a newer test called AMACR that is more sensitive than the PSA test for determining the presence of prostate cancer.
Your doctor may use either one or two of the most common tests for prostate cancer detection. A urinalysis may indicate if there is blood in the urine. When a digital rectal exam is performed it often reveals an enlarged prostate with a hard, irregular surface.
Besides hormonal drugs, hormone manipulation may also be done by surgically removing the testes. The approaches to treatment include: ever watchful waiting to see whether the cancer is growing slowly and not causing any symptoms. Thoroughly discuss your treatment options and concerns with your doctor and other health professionals; it never hurts to get a second or even third opinion or more if necessary.
Be aware that some men chose natural treatment options and forgo any surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. Surgery is usually only recommended after thorough evaluation and discussion of all available treatment options. Hormone manipulation is mainly used as a treatment to relieve symptoms in men whose cancer has spread.
Medicines can be used to adjust the levels of testosterone; called hormonal manipulation. Radiation therapy to the prostate gland is either external or internal, both of which use high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Prostate cancer that has spread (metastasized) may be treated conventionally with drugs to reduce testosterone levels, surgery to remove the testes, chemotherapy or nothing at all.
Medications can have many side effects, including hot flashes and loss of sexual desire. Urinary incontinence can be a possible complication of surgery. Whether radiation is as good as removal of the prostate is debatable and the decision about which to choose, if any, can be difficult.
Surgery, called a radical prostatectomy, removes the entire prostate gland and some of the surrounding tissues. An oncology specialist will usually recommend treating with a single drug or a combination of drugs.
Just about all men with prostate cancer survive at least five years after their diagnosis, 93% survive at least 10 years, and 67% survive more than 15 years. If you do choose invasive conventional treatment, you can always change your diet and do non-invasive natural treatments too. With the advent of PSA testing, most prostate cancers are now found before they cause any symptoms.
For more information on prostate cancer treatments and prostate cancer symptoms go to http://www.BestProstateHealthTips.com Helen Hecker R.N.'s website specializing in prostate and prostate cancer tips, advice and resources, including information on prostate tests and natural prostate cancer treatments
By Helen Hecker
The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system. Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor of the prostate gland. The prostate gland is located directly beneath the bladder and in front of the rectum.
Many men, especially those later in life have made the decision with their doctors to simply watch and wait. The prostate is a small, walnut-sized structure that makes up part of a man's reproductive system; it wraps around the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. Prostate cancer is the third most common cause of death from cancer in men of all ages and is the most common cause of death from cancer in men over 75 years old.
One of the most common symptoms is the inability to urinate at all. Some men will experience symptoms that might indicate the presence of prostate cancer. Having one or more cancer symptoms does not necessarily mean that you have prostate cancer.
Weak or interrupted flow of urine and painful or burning urination can be symptoms to watch out for. Other symptoms might include unintentional weight loss and lethargy. If you have one or more prostate cancer symptoms, you should see a qualified doctor as soon as possible.
There is a newer test called AMACR that is more sensitive than the PSA test for determining the presence of prostate cancer. A bone scan can indicate whether the cancer has spread or not. When a digital rectal exam is performed it often reveals an enlarged prostate with a hard, irregular surface.
Another test usually used when prostate cancer symptoms are present is the digital rectal exam (DRE) performed by the doctor. There are several potential downsides to PSA testing; for example a high PSA does not always mean a patient has prostate cancer. A number of tests may be done to confirm a diagnosis of prostate cancer.
Since prostate tumors require testosterone to grow, reducing the testosterone level is used to prevent further growth and spread of the cancer. Thoroughly discuss your treatment options and concerns with your doctor and other health professionals; it never hurts to get a second or even third opinion or more if necessary. The conventional treatment of prostate cancer is often controversial.
If chemotherapy is decided upon after the first round of chemotherapy, most men receive further doses on an outpatient basis at a clinic or physician's office. Surgery, radiation therapy, and hormonal therapy can interfere with libido on a temporary or permanent basis. Hormone manipulation is mainly used as a treatment to relieve symptoms in men whose cancer has spread.
Recent improvements in surgical procedures have made complications occur less often. Whether radiation is as good as removing the prostate is debatable and the decision about which to choose, if any, can be difficult. Be aware that some men chose natural treatment options and forgo any surgery, radiation or chemotherapy.
Besides hormonal drugs, hormone manipulation may also be done by surgically removing the testes. Surgery is usually only recommended after thorough evaluation and discussion of all available treatment options. In the early stages, surgery and radiation may be used to remove or attempt to kill the cancer cells or shrink the tumor.
Anyone considering surgery should be aware of the benefits, risks and the extent of the procedure. Chemotherapy medications are often used to treat prostate cancers that are resistant to hormonal treatments.
If you do choose invasive conventional treatment, you can always change your diet and do non-invasive natural treatments too. As new research comes out adjust your treatment options accordingly. If you haven't been diagnosed but are concerned about symptoms you should call for an appointment to see your doctor; and if you're a man older than 50 who has never been screened for prostate cancer (by rectal exam and/or PSA level determination) or not had a regular annual exam, or have had a family history of prostate cancer, make an appointment soon.
For more information on prostate cancer treatments and prostate cancer symptoms go to http://www.BestProstateHealthTips.com Helen Hecker R.N.'s website specializing in prostate and prostate cancer tips, advice and resources, including information on prostate tests and natural prostate cancer treatments
Prolong Your Life -- Get Checked For Prostate Cancer Now
By Helen Hecker
Men, who are younger than 40, are rarely ever diagnosed with prostate cancer. The male hormone testosterone contributes to the growth of cancer. About 80 percent of men who reach the age of 80 have prostate cancer. It's estimated that approximately 234,460 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year, and approximately 27,350 will die of the disease.
Prostate cancer is deadly but can be cured if it's caught early enough. If you have prostate cancer, are concerned about getting it, or if you're looking out for the health of someone you love, this article can help.
Because prostate cancer symptoms can mimic other diseases or disorders, men who experience any of these symptoms should undergo a thorough work-up to determine the underlying cause of the symptoms. There are several symptoms to be aware of. Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease are bone pain or tenderness, and abdominal pain.
If cancer is caught at its earliest stages, most men will not experience any symptoms. Blood in the urine or semen and frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs are often symptoms of cancer. Weak or interrupted flow of urine and painful or burning urination can be symptoms to watch out for.
There is a newer test called AMACR that is more sensitive than the PSA test for determining the presence of prostate cancer. The decision about whether to pursue a PSA test should be based on a discussion between you and your doctor. One downside to PSA testing is that health care providers are detecting and treating some very early-stage prostate cancers that may never have caused the patient any harm.
There are several potential downsides to PSA testing; for example a high PSA does not always mean a patient has prostate cancer. The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test measures the PSA enzyme in your blood for abnormalities. A bone scan can indicate whether the cancer has spread or not.
Thoroughly discuss your treatment options and concerns with your doctor and other health professionals; it never hurts to get a second or even third opinion or more if necessary. If chemotherapy is decided upon after the first round of chemotherapy, most men receive further doses on an outpatient basis at a clinic or physician's office. Surgery is usually only recommended after thorough evaluation and discussion of all available treatment options.
Chemotherapy medications are often used to treat prostate cancers that are resistant to hormonal treatments. Surgery, radiation, hormonal therapy and chemotherapy all have significant side effects; know fully what they are before you proceed. Impotence is a potential complication after the prostatectomy or after radiation therapy.
Many men simply want the best treatment they can get but what's important is picking the best treatment for you. The approaches to treatment include: ever watchful waiting to see whether the cancer is growing slowly and not causing any symptoms. Prostate cancer that has spread (metastasized) may be treated conventionally with drugs to reduce testosterone levels, surgery to remove the testes, chemotherapy or nothing at all.
Medicines can be used to adjust the levels of testosterone; called hormonal manipulation. Radiation therapy is used primarily to treat prostate cancers classified as stages A, B, or C. The conventional treatment of prostate cancer is often controversial.
In the early stages, surgery and radiation may be used to remove or attempt to kill the cancer cells or shrink the tumor. Anyone considering surgery should be aware of the benefits, risks and the extent of the procedure.
It's important to get as informed as possible and read all the newest books, ebooks and research available. Make sure to read everything you can get your hands on and mull it all over. Consider sites, such as this one, just a starting point where you can begin to learn about prostate cancer.
For more information on prostate cancer treatments and prostate cancer symptoms go to http://www.BestProstateHealthTips.com Helen Hecker R.N.'s website specializing in prostate and prostate cancer tips, advice and resources, including information on prostate tests and natural prostate cancer treatments
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