Prostate cancer currently affects the lives of millions of American men and their loved ones. Each year in the United States, almost 200,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer and over 25,000 die of this disease. These numbers rival those for breast cancer in women, yet education lags far behind.

The American Urological Association recommends the following screening for the prostate:

• All men should begin screening at age 40.
• Screening includes a simple blood test (PSA, or Prostate-specific Antigen) and a digital rectal exam.
• Screening should be performed yearly.

Our goal is to detect prostate cancer prior to development of any symptoms. However, you should alert your physician if any of the following symptoms occur:

• Slow or frequent urinary stream
• Painful urination
• Blood in the urine
• Pain or blood with ejaculation

Risk factors for prostate cancer include the following:

• Family history of prostate cancer
• African-American race
• Increasing age