About Prostate Cancer
The Facts
Black males are 80% more likely than other ethnic groups in the U.S to be diagnosed with prostate cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, a 30% rise in new cases is anticipated in 2021 and a 2.4 % increase in deaths.
What are the risk factors for prostate cancer?
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Age - Prostate cancer is very rare in men younger than 40, but the chance of having prostate cancer rises rapidly after age 50. About 6 in 10 cases of prostate cancer are found in men over the age of 65.
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Race/Ethnicity - Prostate cancer occurs more often in African American men and Jamaican men of African ancestry than in men of other races. AfricanAmerican men are also more likely to be diagnosed at an advanced stage and are more than twice as likely to die of prostate cancer as white men. The reasons for these racial and ethnic differences are not clear.
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Family history - Prostate cancer seems to run in some families, which suggests that in some cases there may be an inherited or genetic factor. Having a father or brother with prostate cancer more than doubles a man's risk of developing this disease.
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Can prostate cancer be found early?
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Yes. Prostate cancer can often be found early by testing the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in a man's blood. Another way to find prostate cancer is the digital rectal exam (DRE), in which the doctor puts a gloved finger into the rectum to feel the prostate gland.
How can I learn more?
