Prostate Cancer Survival Rates, 10 Statistics You May Not Know

Before we begin quoting numbers and statistics we will tell you something you may, or not know already. We will briefly explain the how the survival rates are calculated. The survival rate is a 5 year study that refers to the patients who survive 5 years, or more, after the initial diagnosis. This is helps in determining the prognosis, or outlook of patients. Since the diagnosis and treatment started 5 years prior, to any diagnoses presented today, new cases would be expected to have a better prognosis, due to developments in treatment.

It develops in the male gland and can spread to other parts of the body particularly the lymph nodes and bones. It may cause difficulty in urination, pain, or erectile dysfunction along with any number of other symptoms that can occur later in the disease. Traditional treatments have been surgery, radiation, and proton.

1) Second only to lung cancer in cancer related death.
2) Until recently numbers in deaths due to this were rising. In 1932 17 in every 100,000 men died from this, in 1991 the figure had rose to 25 in 100,000. Reasons for these rises are speculative at best.
3) The second most common type of cancer in men, the first being skin cancer.
4) 1 in 35 will die from this cancer. It claims 10% of all cancer related deaths for men.
5) According to the American Cancer Society, almost 100% of patients survive 5 years, (99.9% white and 97.6% black men,) that rate is 91% at 10 years and 76% at 15 years. Keep in mind the above mentioned factor when considering survival rates.
6) The average age for related deaths from '98 to '02 was 80, with almost no deaths reported under the age of 44.
7) Stage of diagnosis is important. Survival rate is almost 100% for local or regional diagnosis, with that rate dropping to 33.3% for distant or metasized cancers.
8) There is a lifetime risk of over 17% for every male born today of receiving a prostate cancer diagnosis.
9) There are seldom any symptoms in the early stages. Diagnosis usually begins due to an elevated PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) count in a routine blood test.
10) Primary reasons for developing this type of cancer are still unclear. Although age, genetics, and diet are believed to be contributing factors.

The facts presented here are the same facts presented by the American Cancer Society, and eMedtv, and both references seem to point to the same conclusions. Early detection of this potentially deadly condition is imperative to increase the chances for survival. Meanwhile, ongoing research makes advances very day.

Jamie Vanderhorst has been covering Prostate Cancer for the last 10 years, working as a professional writer. One of Jamie's areas of knowledge is on Prostate Cancer survival rates.

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Prostate Cancer Information for Knowing in Detail About This Cancer

Prostate Cancer Information

Prostate cancer is a disease that develops over many years in the prostate gland of men. Over time, prostate cancer information has shown that the cancer will spread from the prostate to other tissues including lymph nodes, bones, the liver, and the lungs. The first symptoms of this cancer are generally pain upon urination, difficulty urinating, and erectile dysfunction.

Prostate cancer responds well to many forms of traditional cancer treatments including surgery and radiation. Because its develops so slowly, early stages are generally monitored rather than treated. Additional treatments such as cryosurgery, hormonal therapy, and chemotherapy are also available. These alternative treatments are usually reserved for late stage of this cancer rather than instituted as an initial treatment.

Early of this cancer generally has no noticeable symptoms. However, some patients experience frequent urination both during the day and at night, difficulty in starting urination or maintaining a steady stream, or blood in the urine. It is estimated that only one third of cancer sufferers will experience any symptoms during the early stages.

According to available prostate cancer information, risk factors include age, familial history, and obesity. this cancer is not diagnosed in patients younger than 45, with the average age of diagnosis being 70 years of age. It is currently believed that heredity is the strongest known risk factor for the development of cancer. Scientists have shown that men with a father or brother (first-degree relative )who has been diagnosed with cancer have two times the risk of developing the disease and those that have two or more first-degree relatives with the disease have a five times greater risk.

The most important part of a prostate cancer diagnosis is a classification or stage of the disease. There are four stages currently recognized. These include:

• Stage I: The cancer cells are only found in the prostate. The tumor cannot be detected through digital rectal examination and would not be seen on any imaging diagnostic test.

• Stage II: The cancer cells are only found in the prostate. The tumor has begun to grow in size. It may or may not be detected through digital rectal examination however; it may show on an image during diagnostic testing.

• Stage III: The cancer cells have begun to invade surrounding tissues. In this stage the seminal vesicles may show signs of cancer cell invasion; however the pelvic lymph nodes are clear. The tumor can now be detected through digital rectal examination.

• Stage IV: The cancer cells have metastasized to other tissues including the lymph nodes, the lungs, the liver, and bones.

Prostate cancer screening is an essential part of managing prostate cancer. The earlier the cancer is detected; the sooner treatment and management plan can be instituted. Starting at age 50, man with a familial history should discuss cancer screening with their doctors. Currently, the only fully conformational test is a biopsy. However, other screening methods include digital rectal examination, prostate imaging, and testing for tumor markers.

The Prostate Cancer Research Institute is a charitable institution that is intended to improve the quality of men's lives by supporting the research and disseminating information prostate cancer advocacy. It also helps to create awareness and empowers patients, families and the medical community.

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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

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Prostate Cancer Alternative Treatment

Helping someone cope with the stress and anxiety that comes with a prognosis of prostate cancer can be hard. That's why there are some types of alternative prostate cancer treatment designed to help the patient learn to do activities that can help him cope.

There are a variety of therapies that can help with the coping mechanism including techniques of relaxation including muscle relaxation, movement therapies including art, music and dance, exercise, meditation and spirituality.

These approaches for prostate cancer alternative treatment are different than treatments from the doctor. The alternative treatment therapies work for many and have been highly recommended to be used before therapy/treatment starts from the doctor. Side effects of the doctor's treatment can also be helped by these alternative approaches

To understand this cancer and the diagnosis, one must know that the prostate gland is found only in men and is about the size of a walnut. It is located under the bladder and in front of the rectum. In the kidneys, urine passes to the bladder through the urethra, which passes through the middle of the prostate. When part of the prostate enlarges, it can infringe on the passage of urine.

If the condition is not cancerous, or benign, it is called BPH or benign prostatic hyperplasia. The other major condition is prostatitis, which is a positive diagnosis for this cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, it is the second leading killer of men, only behind lung cancer.

When determining whether or not a man has cancer, the doctor will check the patient performing a digital rectal exam. With a gloved finger, the doctor checks inside the rectum to feel for some type of hard nodule. The results of a prostate exam can be quite devastating.

Prostate cancer alternative treatment can also include watchful waiting. Once the prostate cancer diagnosis is made early, and a biopsy is done rather than an operation or external radiation, the patient is then tracked for progress. Another alternative prostate cancer treatment would be supported by a cancer support group or PAACT. PAACT brings people together that have the same condition and teach this cancer sufferers to have hope in the face of darkness.

Other elements of prostate cancer alternative treatment can also include changes to diet, nutritional supplements taken orally, hormonal balancing, intravenous vitamin and mineral drips, programs designed for exercising, exposure to sunlight, fresh air, detoxification, stress management training and other immune enhancing activities.

The Prostate Cancer Research Institute is a charitable institution that is intended to improve the quality of men's lives by supporting the research and disseminating information about prostate cancer fundraising. It also helps to create awareness and empowers patients, families and the medical community.

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