What is the prostate?    Where is it located?   What is it's function? 

 

 

The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located between the bladder and the penis

just in front of the rectum. The urethra runs through the center of the prostate,

from the bladder to the penis, letting urine flow out of the body. 

 

The prostate secretes a fluid that nourishes and protects sperm.

 

 

What is prostate cancer?

 

Prostate cancer is a disease in which cells in the prostate gland become abnormal

and start to grow uncontrollably, forming tumors.

 

 

Can women get prostate cancer?

 

Women do not have a prostate gland, therefore have no risk of developing prostate cancer.

 

 

How does prostate cancer affect the family?

 

Prostate cancer can affect a man's emotional, financial and spiritual well-being which can impact those that are closest to him.  Many of these effects aren't always easily seen or communicated.  The support of family and friends is paramount when managing a prostate cancer diagnosis.

 

 

I am a woman?  Why does Blue Flowers Org focus on empowering women for a man's health issue?

 

Women make over 80% of a families medical decisions and play a crucial role in supporting the men in their lives health decisions.  Men are responsible for effectively managing their health, however, they can't do it without you.  Read more about the role women play in the fight against prostate cancer:  Message for Women

 

 

What are the risk factors for prostate cancer?

 

Most times prostate cancer has no symptoms. The risks associated with a prostate cancer diagnosis are race, age and family history. Learn more about the risk factors for prostate cancer.

 

 

Who is most affected by prostate cancer?

 

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death in American men behind lung cancer.  One in seven men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime The statistics for men of African or Caribbean descent are one in six.

 

Men of African or Caribbean descent are disproportionately affected by prostate cancer and are at much higher risk of being diagnosed and die from prostate cancer.  These rates increase exponentially if a close relative of a father, son, or brother has been diagnosed. 

 

There are several factors and healthcare disparities that play a role in these statistics that we provide resources for through our Bridging the Gap program.

 

 

When should men get screened for prostate cancer?

 

 

All men should begin having conversations with their health care providers regarding their risk for prostate cancer starting at age 35.  

 

Men at higher risk, including African American men and men who have a first-degree relative (father or brother) diagnosed with prostate cancer, should be screened beginning at 40 years of age. Men at appreciably higher risk (multiple family members diagnosed with prostate cancer) should be screened beginning at 40 years of age. Men at average risk should consider screenings beginning at age 50 years.

 

What is a prostate cancer screening?  What types of screenings are currently available?

 

A prostate cancer screening is a test that seeks to detect prostate cancer before symptoms emerge.

 

There are two tests used to screen for prostate cancer—

 

• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test: A blood test that measures levels of prostate-specific antigen in the blood.  The levels of PSA in the blood can be higher in men who have prostate cancer, or levels may be elevated due to other conditions that affect the prostate.  

• Digital rectal exam (DRE): A doctor or nurse inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to estimate the size of the prostate to feel for lumps or other abnormalities.

 

 

What type of doctor should I contact to learn more?

 

A urologist is a doctor that specializes in diseases of the male reproductive system.  An oncologist is a doctor that specializes in tumors and other forms of cancer.

 

 

How can I find a doctor?

 

Visit the following links to find a doctor:

 

Urology Care Foundation- To access "Find a Urologist", click here

 

 

We've visited a urologist.  What do we do now?

 

It's important to leverage the relationship with your physician and openly discuss all risk factors and treatment options that are appropriate for your family.  Research as much as you can and ask questions to gain clarity and a clear understanding.  Sometimes, gaining a second and third medical opinion can provide additional insight as well.  Be an advocate for the man in your life, ask questions and maintain, get copies and review medical records regularly.