Prostate Cancer Death Rates

According to the American Cancer Society, the death rate for patients with prostate cancer is at an all-time low. This is great news for all men who have been diagnosed with this disease. But what has caused the death rate for prostate cancer patients to decline?

More than 200,000 new patients are diagnosed with prostate cancer worldwide each year. Prostate cancer affects approximately 190,000 new patients annually in the United States and around 30,000 patients die each year from prostate cancer.

Death Rate Decline Causes
The biggest reason for the decline in the death rate of prostate patients is the fact that more men are having annual exams performed by their physicians. This has enabled physicians to catch the disease in its earliest stages. The earlier the stage of cancer is detected, the better the treatment options and the better chance for a cure.

The survival rate increases for those who have the earlier stages of this type of cancer when treatment is received. If the cancer continues to progress, then the survival rate decreases. Because men are now receiving annual exams, more and more cases of cancer of the prostate are being detected in the earlier forms, which have now caused the death rate to decline.

Because of the many men who are now seeking the annual exam, more and more cases of this type of cancer has been diagnosed. The PSA blood test and the digital rectal exam have allowed physicians to diagnose patients who might have otherwise never been diagnosed with prostate cancer. The PSA blood test helps detect prostate problems even earlier than the digital rectal exam. However, some prostate cancer grows at such a slow pace that if left untreated, it may never affect the patient. So now, physicians are trying to determine how to better take these results and interpret the needed treatments.

Hormone treatments have been proven to slow down the progression or growth of prostate cancer, but until now, there has not been a link between hormone therapy and the fact that this approach saves lives. However, with the current death rate at an all-time recorded low (since 1950 for Caucasian men; since 1969 for African American men), studies now show that there is sufficient evidence that hormone therapy is an appropriate treatment for the cancer of the prostate.

More than 5,000 studies have been performed on the effectiveness of hormone therapy with the results being inconclusive; however, when all of that data is analyzed from all 5,000 studies as a group, there is sufficient evidence that supports the idea that hormone therapy does work. New studies are now being performed to determine whether hormone therapy in conjunction with other treatment options will be even more effective.

Go to the new Prostate Cancer Community to get your free ebooks on Prostate Cancer at Prostate Cancer Death Rates [http://prostatecancercommunity.com/]. The new Prostate Cancer Community also has information on Prostate Cancer Survival Rate [http://prostatecancercommunity.com/] along with a lot of other free information. Come by our new Prostate Cancer Community site today for free ebooks and other free information that can help you today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Brennan
http://EzineArticles.com/?Prostate-Cancer-Death-Rates&id=2910913

Prostate Cancer - How to Help Your Spouse Dealing With Prostate Cancer

When your spouse has been diagnosed with prostate cancer it is important to let him know that you are there to support him. This is extremely important as he will be facing a number of unknown risks. A diagnosis of prostate cancer will actually be a life changing situation for both of you. This is why one of the most important things you can do is to assure him that you love him and that you will be there to support him in any way you can. Your love and support during this time will enable him to obtain the best results from his treatment.

A diagnosis of prostate cancer is typically made after a man has sought a physical exam due to prostate problems. This can be due to difficulty in urinating or incontinence. The physician will perform an exam including a digital rectal exam. This is an exam which checks for prostate abnormalities. A biopsy must be done in order for the physician to make a diagnosis of prostate cancer. If the results are positive for cancer the physician will discuss various treatment options. Typically, the physician will make recommendations for the treatment plan believed to give the patient the best possible outcome for recovery.

You and your husband can also do your own research about prostate cancer to learn more about this disease. You can also familiarize yourself with information concerning various treatment plans.This will enable you both to discuss the pros and cons of treatment. This lets him know that you are there for him and want the best possible outcome for him. Give him total freedom to discuss his fears with you. Also encourage him to seek another opinion. Most treatments for prostate cancer involve surgery, hormone or radiation therapy. These all have significant risks which you should be aware of. Learning as much as you can will enable you both to make an informed decision.

The most common reactions a man has after receiving a diagnosis of prostate cancer are fear, anger, depression and uncertainty about their future. Many men are extremely depressed after learning they have prostate cancer. During this time it is important that you do all you can to keep his spirits lifted. Don't allow him to sit home alone and depressed. Invite friends or family members over to encourage him and to help lift his spirits. Also, plan other social activities as it is important to keep him surrounded with loving, positive people.

Once your spouse is diagnosed with prostate cancer make every effort to improve his diet. This would involve making sure he eats more fruits and vegetables. Also, reduce his consumption of red meat, dairy foods and foods high in sugar. This will help improve his immune system which will help him to be able to defeat the cancer.

Finally, have him join a support group for cancer patients. Some hospitals have support groups just for patients while others have support groups for patients and their spouses. These groups allow patients to discuss their concerns and fears with other patients. This lets them know that they are not alone in their battle. These groups enable patients to discuss things with a sense of safety and a willingness to help each other in their battle against cancer. It is important to do all you can to keep your spouse motivated both during and after their treatment.

Please go to Truckingsos.com to read more articles about prostate problems, prostate cancer and truck driver issues such as prostate cancer treatments and prostate problems.

Annalee Chambers is a trucking industry veteran and knowledgeable about the trucking industry including the health and wellness of truck drivers.

(c) copyright - Annalee Chambers All Rights Reserved Worldwide

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Annalee_Chambers
http://EzineArticles.com/?Prostate-Cancer---How-to-Help-Your-Spouse-Dealing-With-Prostate-Cancer&id=7520837