Scott Williams: The National Cancer Institute estimates that in the U.

S. over a 192000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year alone. In addition, over 27000 men are expected to die from the disease. Jean Bonhomme: Prostate cancer is very, very common in the United States. It's estimated that one out every six American man at some point in their life will face a diagnosis of prostate cancer. Scott Williams: However many men go on to live healthy, happy lives after prostate cancer. So what are the risk factors for prostate cancer? Well, the disease is possible in any man, but there are a few things that put certain men at increased risk. First is race, African-American men are 60% more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and 2.

4 times more likely to die from it. Second is family history, if a man has a family history of the disease, his odds of being diagnosed are doubled. Finally, is age, as men age, they are at increased risk of developing prostate cancer. Jean Bonhomme: We believe that prostate cancer screening, which is a PSA; Prostate Specific Antigen and DRE; Digital Rectal Exam should begin for most men at the age of 50. For African-American men we advocate that it begin at the age of 40. Scott Williams: You should speak to your physician about the need for annual screening from then forward and once you know your PSA score, write it down and keep track of any increases over time. Jean Bonhomme: Well, one of the tragedies of prostate cancer is that in its early stages it generally has no symptoms. Now when prostrate cancer becomes advanced, you may have symptoms like difficulty urinating, you may have blood in the urine, you may have blood in the semen.

Scott Williams: So if you experience any of those symptoms, you should see your healthcare provider. Early detection is the key to improving chance of survival in a high quality of life post treatment.