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Q & A: Prostate Health

The prostate gland surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine away from a man’s bladder. Problems with this gland become more common with age. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about prostate health.

Who’s at risk for prostate cancer?

About one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. Although scientists are still uncertain about the causes, they have identified three factors that raise a man’s risk for the disease:

• Age: More than 64 percent of all diagnosed prostate cancers are found in men age 65 and older.
• Family history: The risk for prostate cancer doubles if a man has a father or brother with the disease.
• Race: African-American men are at greater risk for prostate cancer compared to men from other racial and ethnic groups.

Can a man do anything to reduce his risk?

Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may help men lower their risk for prostate cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends that men eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily.

Men age 50 and older should talk with their doctors about annual testing options. Men at high risk may want to begin screenings at age 45. Whether you could benefit from screening will depend on your family history, age, personal preference and other factors.

Besides cancer, are there other problems that can affect the prostate?

The most common problem is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It causes the prostate to slowly enlarge and press against the urethra.

BPH isn’t cancer and doesn’t cause it. However, some symptoms of BPH can mimic those of prostate cancer or an infection called prostatitis. So, talk to your doctor if you have any of these possible BPH symptoms:

• A frequent need to urinate, especially at night
• Difficulty urinating or stopping the flow of urine
• Sudden or urgent urination
• Dripping after urinating
• A decrease in urine flow

If symptoms are mild, your doctor may recommend self-care steps, such as drinking fewer fluids in the evening and urinating often. You may want to avoid or find substitutes for medicines that worsen symptoms. These may include cold and cough medications, antidepressants and blood pressure drugs.

If your symptoms are more severe, you may need medication or surgery.