Prostate Cancer -- Are You at Risk?
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among
American men. It affects about one in five men
during the course of a lifetime. Although prostate
cancer grows more common with age, younger men
can be diagnosed with it as well.
The prostate is a small gland in the male reproductive
system that is wrapped around the urethra, the
tube that carries urine out of the body. The prostate
makes part of the semen that carries sperm. During
sex, muscles squeeze the prostate's fluid into
the urethra. This fluid helps keep sperm active
and alive in the vagina.
While we do not yet know what causes prostate
cancer, scientists have learned that certain factors
can increase your risk, including:
- Family history -- If a man's father
or brother has prostate cancer, his chances
of developing prostate cancer are two times
greater.
- Age -- Three quarters of all reported
cases occur in men age 65 and older.
- Race -- African-American men have the
highest incidence of prostate cancer in the
world. They're two times more likely to be diagnosed
with the disease, and two and a half to three
times more likely to die of prostate cancer.
Be sure to talk to your doctor about prostate
cancer screening. And ask your doctor about steps
to improve your overall health, such as maintaining
a low fat diet and exercising regularly.
For more information, learn about PSA
testing.
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