Prostate Cancer Screening

Prostate Cancer

WHO SHOULD BE SCREENED FOR PROSTATE CANCER?

Most men are at risk for developing prostate cancer but some have a greater risk than others. It is so common, that the lifetime cumulative risk for developing prostate cancer is 1 in 6. African-American men in the U.S. have the highest incidence of prostate cancer in the world.

RISK FACTORS

The groups who have a greater risk for developing prostate are:
1) African-American men
2) Men with a family history of prostate cancer (either the father or mother's side).

WHEN SHOULD MEN BE SCREENED FOR PROSTATE CANCER?*

1) Men with no risk factors:
• Age 40-49 Annual DRE
• Age 50+ Annual DRE and PSA

2) Men with risk factors:
• African-American, Age 40+ Annual DRE and PSA
• Family History of prostate cancer, Age 40+ Annual DRE and PSA

* American Urological Association, Inc. Prostate Cancer Screening Guidelines

EARLY DIAGNOSIS
The success of the treatment for prostate cancer depends in large part on the cancer being diagnosed at an early stage. The process of being checked for prostate cancer in the absence of signs or symptoms is called "screening". Screening for prostate cancer consists of both:

1) DIGITAL RECTAL EXAMINATION (DRE): This is performed by a physician. The physician inserts a finger in the patient's rectum and palpates the prostate. The physician is checking for nodules or hard areas which may be suspicious for prostate cancer.

2) PROSTATE-SPECIFIC ANTIGEN (PSA): The PSA is a lab test to measure the amount of PSA circulating in the blood and may indicate who is at risk for developing prostate cancer. The normal range for a PSA is 0 to 4 ng/ml. The PSA value for any individual may vary depending on age, prostate size, and other factors.

• Vitamin E 400 IU per day
• Selenium (not to exceed 200 mcg/day)
• Soy isoflavones 40 to 50 mg/day
• Lycopene: 5 servings of tomato products per week

It has not been proven that any particular diet, dietary supplement or medication will prevent prostate cancer. A number of studies have shown some potential risk reduction for the development of prostate cancer (especially in previous or current smokers) from the use of vitamin E, selenium, and soy protein. The optimal dosage for these substances remains to be determined. These substances are available in tablet form at the health food store but many researchers believe the best source for these substances is from dietary foods. Suggestions for reducing the risk of developing prostate cancer are: Maintain a healthy diet consisting of: • at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day • limit the intake of red meat and fat Suggested daily intake of vitamin E, selenium, soy protein and lycopene: • Vitamin E 400 IU per day as a supplement taken with meals. • Selenium 200 mcg per day as a supplement taken with meals. • Soy Isoflavones 40 to 50 mg per day (specifically the isoflavones genistein and daidzen). As a supplement or in diet. • Lycopene, several servings of cooked tomato product a week. Regular physical activity of 30 to 45 minutes on five or more days a week. Men over the age of 40 who have not been physically active should be evaluated by their physician before beginning an exercise program and they should gradually increase the intensity, duration and frequency of exercise. Maintain ideal body weight. IMPORTANT: There are potential adverse side effects from taking more than the recommended doses of vitamins. Also, when you are asked by a health care provider to list the current medications you take on a regular basis be sure to mention the vitamins and supplements that you take and the amounts. Urology Research & Education Foundation (UREF) is a public not for profit organization. For more information call 214-580-1420 or email support@urologyfoundation.org