This year alone, there have been about 161,360 new cases, and about 26,730 deaths from prostate cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.

Prostate cancer does not usually occur in men younger than 40, but it can definitely happen. One in seven men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and it is the third leading cause of cancer death in American men.

Prostate cancer occurs when cells in the prostate gland begin to grow uncontrollably, and it is unknown what exactly causes that to happen. However, there are a couple of known ways that could potentially cause the cancer, including having the mutated gene passed on between generations. This means that if a person had an immediate family member with prostate cancer, their risk of getting it is more than double.

"Awareness is the key," said Lt. Ruth Cortes, Physician Assistant aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). "If you have a family history of any cancer, please let medical know. If your father had prostate cancer at 40, we like to start checking you 10 years prior to that."

Having an enlarged prostate can be an indication of cancer, and that can cause urination to become difficult. However, that does not mean you have prostate cancer, you still need to have a biopsy.

"A biopsy is the only way to know for sure if you have prostate cancer," said Cortes. "A biopsy will test the prostate cells and that way they can determine if it is in fact cancer."

It is also important to get checked early and often, because if left unchecked, prostate cancer can develop into bladder cancer due to their proximity.

Treatment of prostate cancer is similar to the treatment of any other cancer, including chemoradiation, but depending on how far along the cancer is, they may even end up removing the prostate.

"Tell medical right away if you have any symptoms or if anything in your normal functions change, please don't wait," said Cortes. "Men are usually more reluctant to go see medical, but if they have issues and don't go early, it can cause worse symptoms later on."

Other risk factors that have been found to possibly cause prostate cancer include a poor diet, obesity, smoking, certain chemical exposures, sexually transmitted diseases, and having a vasectomy. For more information about prostate and other cancers, talk to medical or visit www.cancer.org.




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