Because American men are living longer, their chances of developing prostate cancer also are increasing. The National Cancer Institute estimates that one in six men will develop prostate cancer sometime during the course of their lifetime. Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer found in men, with skin cancer being the most prevalent. Additionally, prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths among men after lung cancer. The good news, however, is that if detected early, prostate cancer is fairly easy to manage and has long-term survival rates.
 
The ability to detect prostate cancer is relatively simple and takes about 15 minutes with a primary care physician or urologist. The screening for prostate cancer involves a digital rectal exam (DRE) and a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test which, when used together, can provide early diagnosis of this common cancer. The DRE examination determines if the prostate gland is enlarged or hardened which can sometimes indicate there is a problem. The PSA blood test is a good indicator as to whether the prostate gland is producing higher levels of protein, which can indicate that certain diseases of the prostate may be present, primarily prostate cancer. 
 
When detected early within localized stages, the five-year survival rate for prostate cancer is 100 percent, compared to only 76 percent 25 years ago. The long-term survival rate drops sharply, to 37 percent, if the cancer is detected in distant or late stage disease. An earlier diagnosis allows for more treatment options with better long-term outcomes.

Because prostate cancer is a slow-growing disease, signs and symptoms of the disease are minimal in the early stages. Some early signs include frequent urination, especially at night, weak or painful urination, and difficulty initiating urination. Although these symptoms do not always indicate prostate cancer, they do indicate a prostate concern that needs to be addressed.

The advancements in treatments and technology used to treat prostate cancer have improved a great deal in the past 10 years, with new advancements and treatment options surfacing almost every year. The most common types of treatment for prostate cancer are surgical excision of the prostate gland, Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), low-dose radiation seed implants and hormonal therapy.
 
It is recommended that men 50 years old or older, have a prostate exam on an annual basis that includes both a PSA blood test and digital rectal exam. Men who have associated risk factors (African-American, first-degree relatives with the disease) should begin screening at age 45.

The Cancer Centers of Northern Arizona Healthcare (CCNAH) are providing free prostate cancer screenings at both their campuses. Appointments are recommended. CCNAH-Verde Valley Medical Center, 269 S. Candy Lane, is offering free screenings 4:30 - 7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 24; CCNAH-Flagstaff Medical Center, 1200 N. Beaver St., is offering free screenings 4:30 - 7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 29. To make an appointment, call 928 773-2261; walk-ins will be seen as time allows.
 
There is no better time than now to take care of this quick and easy screening and avoid the complications associated with late-stage prostate cancer diagnosis. For more information about prostate cancer or other cancer treatments, contact the Cancer Centers of Northern Arizona Healthcare at 800 854-7744, or visit CCNAH.com.