Aside from skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer among American men. According to recent statistics, over 160,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year in the United States. In the majority of cases, prostate cancer is discovered when the tumor is still localized to the area of the prostate. However, it is still a serious disease with the possibility of many long-term repercussions that can affect a man’s life for many years to come.
Diagnosing and treating prostate cancer early is of utmost importance in helping those affected have an excellent prognosis at living a normal life and recovering completely from the disease. Early diagnosis requires proper and efficient testing procedures, as well as helping American men understand the importance of undergoing screening procedures for prostate cancer. The information below will discuss more information about prostate cancer, as well as the exciting joint efforts of the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, the NFL, and LabCorp in fighting this disease that affects so many American men.
Risk Factors and Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Screening is so important for prostate cancer because it often doesn’t display symptoms for a considerable period of time. Some men may experience specific symptoms that will alert them to the existence of a problem. The following are several risk factors associated with the development of prostate cancer, as well as some of the main symptoms associated with the disease.
Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer
* Advancing age – More than 80% of prostate cancer cases are diagnosed in men over the age of 65.
* Race and Ethnic Background – African American men are at an increased risk of prostate cancer. They are also at an increased risk of developing the disease at an earlier age and having a more aggressive form of the disease.
* Family History – Statistics indicate that approximately 20% of prostate cancer cases seem to have a genetic component.
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
While many men do not develop symptoms of prostate cancer until the disease is more advanced, it is still important to be aware of specific symptoms so that you can pay attention to what is going on within your body. The following are the most commonly experienced symptoms of prostate cancer.
* The need for frequent urination, especially at night
* Difficulty starting the stream of urine or holding back the flow of urine
* Pain or burning with urination
* Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection
* Decrease in the amount of ejaculate experienced with orgasm
* Blood in urine or semen
* Pain in the pelvic area, lower back, groin, buttocks, or upper legs
Many of these symptoms can be attributed to other minor conditions such as urinary tract infections, minor injuries, or other self-limiting problems. However, it is ideal to see a physician if any of these symptoms present themselves and persist.
Cancer Treatment Centers of America, LabCorp, and NFL Join Forces
Cancer Treatment Centers of America, LabCorp, and the NFL have decided to join forces to tackle the issue of prostate cancer in America. Their goal in doing so is to increase awareness of this common disease and ensure that men and women across the country are aware of the benefits of screening in terms of early diagnosis and successful treatment.
Through mid-October, 2,000 men who meet specific eligibility requirements will be able to undergo screening tests for prostate cancer free of charge. Once the slots for the 2,000 free screenings are filled, men who are eligible at that point will qualify for a reduced-cost prostate screening to help more men gain access to this life-saving testing. All of LabCorp’s 1,750 locations across the country are participating in this unified endeavor to bring awareness to this common disease and promote an understanding of the ramifications of early detection for long-term survival.
Although prostate cancer is a common disease, dealing with it is anything but easy. This is especially true if it is diagnosed at a later stage that makes treatment more difficult. Medical experts around the globe agree that screening efforts for the majority of men should begin around the age of 40. This is especially true of those who have a family history of the disease or specific risk factors that make them more likely to develop it.
A portion of this joint awareness campaign will be spear-headed by NFL giants, including several past leading coaches. These individuals will take part in public service announcements urging their fellow American men to get screened for prostate cancer. September is prostate cancer awareness month, so it only made sense that these public service announcements would begin during the month devoted to bringing about awareness and improved access to screening for prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is a prevalent disease affecting millions of American men and their loved ones each and every year. Screening tests can help diagnose prostate cancer at a much earlier stage when treatment options are more diverse and are likely to be more successful. The joint efforts of the NFL, LabCorp, and Cancer Treatment Centers of America appears to be a promising way to help more men gain access to this potentially life-saving screening.
About Cancer Treatment Centers of America
Cancer Treatment Centers of America is a for-profit organization dedicated to the advanced treatment of many types of cancer that affect millions of Americans each year. A network of five dedicated hospitals across America strives to serve cancer patients with technologically advanced treatment options that provide the best survival outcomes for all affected by these types of diseases.
Cancer Treatment Centers of America was founded by Richard Stephenson, whose own mother passed away from cancer decades ago. When Mr. Stephenson was not happy with the type of care his mother received throughout her illness, he decided to take it upon himself to establish a medical center that was better equipped at providing a vast array of the most successful treatment options available at the time. From 1988 up to our present day, the staff and medical professionals employed by Cancer Treatment Centers of America still uphold the same goal of providing holistic care to cancer patients of all backgrounds. No matter what type of cancer an individual may be facing, Cancer Treatment Centers of America provide reliable treatment options of all types while helping cancer patients maintain their utmost dignity and respect.