Prostate cancer ranks as the most common cancer and seconding-leading cause of cancer death among Delawarean men. Knowing your risk for prostate cancer and screening for early detection are the best methods for preventing it.
Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer
Risk factors for prostate cancer include:
- Age: 50 years old or older
- Ethnicity: African American men are at greater risk
- Family history of prostate cancer; particularly a first-degree relative
- Diets high in fat and low in fiber
- Obesity
- Smoking
Prostate Cancer Screening Recommendations
Current prostate screening options are the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and a digital rectal exam. The American Cancer Society recommends annual screenings beginning at age 50 unless you’re in the high-risk group; in that case, you should start screenings at age 40.
Visit the Healthy Delaware website to learn more about prostate cancer or for help scheduling a screening. Or contact your primary care physician and schedule a prostate screening today.