Prostate Cancer

**PROSTATE CANCER FACTS**

How common is it?
Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer found in American men of any sexual orientation. Its cause is still unknown.
	Who gets prostate cancer?
	Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. The number of new cases diagnosed each year has doubled over the past ten years, due to new tests that have helped doctors detect prostate cancer. Prostate cancer frequently occurs in men over 50, although the number of cases involving men over 45 has also increased. It is most common in men over 65. African-American men and men whose family members have developed prostate cancer are more likely to develop it.
What makes this a dangerous cancer?
Prostate cancer begins inside the prostate and can grow to include the entire gland and then spread outside the gland. Some prostate cancers can grow slowly, while other prostate cancers can spread quickly to other parts of the body.
	How do I know if I have it?
	Your doctor can check you for postate cancer with two simple, painless tests. Prostate cancer is usually suspected by the results of a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test or felt while doing a DRE (digital rectal exam.) Ask your doctor about these tests. They might save your life. Although these are only signs of prostate cancer, a biopsy must be performed to ascertain whether a man definitely has prostate cancer. It is then that appropriate action should be taken.
What about treatment?
Prostate cancer can be detected in its early stages. The following links will take you to various sites which can give you more information concerning prostate cancer, diagnoses, treatment, support groups and much more. Please remember that whatever you read or research, YOU MUST CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN!! Do not do anything without the input of a doctor you trust. Good luck.

	A Note About Colorectal Cancer
	Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, according to American Cancer Society (news - web sites) statistics. Screening techniques like colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, barium enema, and fecal occult blood tests can catch precancerous polyps in the colon before they turn into cancer; but due to misplaced fear or embarrassment for many people, screening rates in the US are far lower than they should be.


LINKS TO PROSTATE CANCER INFORMATION
American Cancer Society American Foundation for Urologic Disease American Prostate Society Cancer Care, Inc. Cancer Information Center CaP Cure (The Association for the Cure of Cancer of the Prostate) Prostate Cancer Prostate Cancer Infolink (archives) Prostate Cancer Research and Education Foundation Prostate Pointers US TOO International, Inc.
Other Queer Health Links Gay health pages Hepatitis B immunization info for gay men Health Care Information Resources Gay and Lesbian Medical Association HIV and Hepatitis.Com Gay Men's Health Project Colorectal Cancer

Special thanks to Barnett Serchuk and FLguy2090@aol.com for providing the information, and bellsnwhistles.com for the animated graphics, contained in this page.

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