// BEGIN editorial data var i = 0; var prostate_leftnav = new Array(); prostate_leftnav.ID = "prostate_leftnav"; prostate_leftnav.ID_WB = 13187163; prostate_leftnav.sPubDate = "6/14/2006 5:34:11 PM GMT"; prostate_leftnav.navsectionID = "3032071" prostate_leftnav.appFmt = 2; prostate_leftnav.itemsPerPage = 1; prostate_leftnav.appWidth = 525; prostate_leftnav.appHeader = ""; prostate_leftnav.appFooter = "Source: American Cancer Society"; prostate_leftnav.appNavStyle = 3; prostate_leftnav.appLayout = 3; prostate_leftnav.copyHeight = 500; prostate_leftnav.copyWidth = 410; prostate_leftnav.copyMargin = 9; prostate_leftnav[i++] = new Array("","Introduction","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Interactives/Health/Cancer/zFlashAssets/Prostate_illo_comp.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "286", "380", "", "", "", "", ""); prostate_leftnav[i-1].body = "
Prostate cancer is the second most common form of cancer found in U.S. men. In 2006 alone, the American Cancer Society estimates there will be about 234,460 new cases. About 27,350 men will die of the disease. Click on the topics at left to learn more."; prostate_leftnav[i++] = new Array("","What is a prostate?","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Interactives/Health/Cancer/zFlashAssets/Prostate_illo_comp.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "286", "380", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); prostate_leftnav[i-1].body = "
A walnut-sized gland found only in men, the prostate is located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The urethra, a tube that carries urine, runs through the prostate. The gland is vital to the production of sperm since it contains cells that help make semen, which allows sperm to grow."; prostate_leftnav[i++] = new Array("","What causes prostate cancer? ","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "286", "380", "", "", "", "", ""); prostate_leftnav[i-1].body = "
Prostate cancer occurs when malignant cells form and spread through the prostate gland. The malignant cells develop when changes occur in DNA, the genetic material containing the \"instructions\" for all types of cells. When DNA is altered, cells can begin growing out of control and crowd out normal cells, resulting in cancer. Exactly how DNA is altered in prostate cancer remains unclear. However, a number of factors have been implicated in the development of the disease, including advancing age, family history and race (African-American men are more likely than white men to get the disease and Asian men are the least likely). Other contributing factors may be a high-fat diet and eating fewer fruits and vegetables."; prostate_leftnav[i++] = new Array("","What are the symptoms?","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "286", "380", "", "", "", "", ""); prostate_leftnav[i-1].body = "
Most cases of early prostate cancer cause no symptoms and are identified only by routine screening tests. However, some patients may experience a slowing or weakening of the urinary stream or the need to urinate more often. Symptoms of advanced prostate cancer include blood in the urine, impotence, loss of bladder or bowel control, and pain in the pelvis, spine, hips or ribs."; prostate_leftnav[i++] = new Array("","Can it be prevented?","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "286", "380", "", "", "", "", ""); prostate_leftnav[i-1].body = "
Preventing prostate cancer is difficult because researchers do not yet know much about what causes it. The best evidence available relates to dietary habits. Following a balanced diet that is low in fat and high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains may help reduce a man’s risk for the disease."; prostate_leftnav[i++] = new Array("","How is it diagnosed?","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "286", "380", "", "", "", "", ""); prostate_leftnav[i-1].body = "
Prostate cancer can sometimes be diagnosed at an early stage by testing the amount of PSA, or prostate-specific antigen, in a man’s blood. PSA is a substance made by the prostate gland and small amounts are usually found in the bloodstream. When prostate cancer occurs, these levels often rise. However, even if higher-than-normal levels of PSA are detected, more testing is needed since factors other than cancer can cause PSA levels to increase. Digital rectal exams can also help diagnose prostate cancer. During the exam, the doctor can check for bumps on the surface of the prostate, swelling or other signs of possible cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, men age 50 and older who do not have any major medical problems should receive a PSA test and digital rectal exam annually. Men at high risk for the disease should begin testing at age 45. This includes African-American men and those who have a close relative, such as a father, brother or son, who developed prostate cancer before age 65.

Due to conflicting evidence on the benefits of these tests for all men, not all doctors recommend widespread screening. If certain symptoms or the results of early detection tests have raised the possibility of prostate cancer, biopsies and possibly other tests will be performed to confirm a diagnosis."; prostate_leftnav[i++] = new Array("","How is it treated?","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "286", "380", "", "", "", "", ""); prostate_leftnav[i-1].body = "
Prostate cancer may be treated with prostatectomy (surgery to remove the prostate), radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy or a combination of treatments. Side effects of treatment can include impotence, sterility, urinary incontinence and hormonal changes. Depending on a man’s age and the stage of the cancer, doctors also may recommend \"watchful waiting\" – leaving the cancer untreated until it shows signs of becoming more aggressive or spreading. This latter approach is most commonly recommended for elderly men who have slow-growing tumors."; // END editorial data