9-13-05

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men, but it can be successfully treated if caught early.

Prostate cancer is expected to strike about 230,000 men this year, but it can be cured if it is diagnosed and treated early in the disease. Dr. Thomas Tarter, associate professor of urology at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, says most men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer are very surprised.

SOUND BITE: "Today prostate cancer is usually discovered with a blood test and men are often shocked to know they have prostate cancer because they feel well. They don't have urinary complaints, and it is the blood test that allows detection years before the cancer becomes detectable in physical exam or before it causes symptoms."

Dr. Tarter says if cancer is detected early and if it is confined to the prostate gland, it can be cured with radiation therapy or surgery. The American Cancer Society and American Urological Association recommend that all men be screened at age 50.

SOUND BITE: "If a man is in a high-risk group, such as if there is a history of prostate cancer or if they are African American they should have screening starting at age 40 and this involves a digital rectal exam and a blood test."

Prostate cancer screenings are available in many communities. Medicare and most health insurance companies usually cover prostate cancer screenings, so men who are 50-years old or older should ask their primary care physician about getting this important test.