Put Your Prostate Knowledge to the Test
The prostate is only the size of a walnut, but
plays an important role in reproduction.
Three common health problems that can
affect the prostate include prostate cancer,
prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Take this true-false quiz to separate prostate facts from fiction.
- Caucasian men have the highest
rates of prostate cancer
True
False - Men should talk with their doctor about
whether they need to be screened
for prostate cancer
True
False - Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
occurs naturally as a result of age
True
False - A common symptom of prostatitis, an
inflamed or infected prostate gland,
is pain in or around the penis
True
False
And the Answer Is …
- False. African-American men face a much higher risk of prostate cancer than men of other racial backgrounds.
- True. Men should discuss the advantages and limitations of screening with their doctors beginning at age 50. African-American men or men with a family history of prostate cancer should start speaking with their doctor about screenings at age 45.
- True. BPH, a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate that makes it hard to urinate, eventually strikes most men at some point after age 50. As a matter of fact, experts estimate that as many as 90 percent of men in their 70s and 80s have BPH. A man with BPH should avoid alcohol and caffeine in the evening, as well as over-the-counter (OTC) decongestants and antihistamines. Saw palmetto supplements or prescription medicines also may help.
- True. Men with prostatitis also may have trouble urinating or ejaculating.
Prostatitis may be treated with antibiotics if an infection is detected. Self-help measures include:
- Relieving pain with OTC nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen
- Avoiding alcohol and spicy foods
- Taking hot baths
The Facts About Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most
common type of cancer found
in American men, other than
skin cancer. While some risk factors
are unavoidable, including being
older, having a father or brother
with this type of cancer and being
African-American, you may be able
to control other factors.
Scientists don't yet know for sure what causes prostate cancer. But some studies suggest that making the following choices may help protect you:
- Eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
- Limit fat, particularly animal fat.
- Ask your doctor about aspirin.
Symptoms
Prostate cancer may not cause
symptoms, and potential symptoms
are often due to other problems,
such as an enlarged prostate.
To be safe, tell your doctor
if you experience:
- Pain during urination
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Pain in the upper thighs, hips or lower back
- Not being able to urinate
- Blood in the semen or urine
- Painful ejaculation
Screenings
The American Cancer Society says
that beginning at age 50, men with
at least a 10-year life expectancy
should be offered prostate cancer
screening annually. High-risk men
may be offered screening even
earlier. Other experts, such as the
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
and the National Cancer Institute,
do not advise routine screening. Ask
your doctor if screening makes sense
for you.
Fast Facts
- One in six men will get prostate cancer during his lifetime. One in 35 men will die of this disease.
- More than 2 million men in the U.S. who have had prostate cancer are still alive today.
- The death rate for prostate cancer is going down.
Source: American Cancer Society
SAVE THE DATE
Free Prostate ScreeningSeptember 12, 9 AM to 1 PM
Cancer Care Institute, 111 Miracle Drive
Download your coupon for a free screening online at www.aikenregional.com. To schedule an appointment, call
Doctor's Corner: UROLOGY
Meet Jonathan Anderson, MD
Family: married to Mary
Katherine Philipp, MD,
and has three children--
Crawford, Hallie and Loughlin
Life in Aiken: team doctor for the University of
South Carolina Pacer Athletic Program and works
with several local high schools' sports programs
Interests and Hobbies: skiing and watching
his children ride and show horses
Dr. Anderson practices at Aiken Center for
Urology and is accepting new patients.
To make an appointment, call
