1-in-6 Men Reading This Post Will Develop Prostrate Cancer

If the 1-in-6 odds seem high, they are, but they're accurate. That's why a prostrate cancer screening becomes a regular part of an annual check up as men age. There is no known single cause but family history, race (African Americans high, Asians low, and Whites are in the middle, in terms of risk), and age (at 55 years old the odds increase tremendously).

There are a number of possible indicators of the disease (source About.com):

* burning or pain during urination
* inability to urinate
* frequent nocturnal urination
* weak urine stream
* blood in urine
* pelvic pain
* back pain
* pain in hips
* weight loss

...but the reality is that with or without these symptoms, men in midlife need to have their prostrates regularly checked.

If you are interested in learning more, the Prostrate Cancer Foundation has a free downloadable booklet.

It should be noted that despite the high percentage quoted above, the vast majority of men with prostate cancer will live out their lives never knowing they had it. This good news is no reason for complacency however as prostate cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths in men.

Update: The WSJ is reporting that "a new study has found that losing weight reduces the risk of an aggressive form of prostate cancer. Previous studies have found that obese men have a higher risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer. This study appears to be the first to indicate that recent weight loss can decrease that risk." In the study those who lost 11 or more pounds were 42% less likely to develop the "aggressive" form of prostate cancer than those whose weight remained the same.

Unfortunately, just by being male you can consider yourself "high risk." The good news is that doctors know this and as a rule will test you for it during your annual physical after a certain age (typically 40) so as long as you are getting an annual physical you're doing almost all that you can (and living a generally healthy life).