According to the American Cancer Society, more than 200,000 men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year. Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in men. But the news isn’t all grim.
Advances in diagnostic and treatment options have led to a significant drop in prostate cancer deaths during the past decade. Yet early detection is the key.
Health experts generally recommend men 50 and older be screened for prostate cancer as part of their annual physical exam. Those at high risk for the disease should talk with their doctor about the need to be screened earlier. In addition to age, risk factors include:
- Obesity
- A family history of prostate cancer
- Being African-American
Learn more about prostate cancer by visiting the Norwalk Hospital health library.