PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS

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PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS
Employee Wellness Program 2310 N. First Street,
Suite 103 San Jose, CA 95131 (408)
299-5825 www.sccgov.org/wellness
Source Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention www.cdc.gov/cancer/prostate
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What is Prostate Cancer?

• Prostate cancers are cancer cells from the
  prostate, a walnut-sized gland that is part of
  the male reproductive system. The prostrate is
  located in front of the rectum and just below the
  bladder.
• Not counting some forms of skin cancer, prostate
  cancer in the U.S. is the most common cancer in
  men.
• Some prostate cancers can grow rapidly, spread to
  other parts of the body, and cause death. Other
  prostrate cancers grow slowly and never become a
  serious threat to your health.

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Symptoms

• Some symptoms can include
• Blood in the urine
• The need to urinate frequently, especially at
  night
• Weak or interrupted urine flow
• Pain or burning feeling while urinating
• The inability to urinate
• Constant pain in the lower back, pelvis, or upper
  thighs
• If you have any of these symptoms, see your
  health care provider as soon as possible.

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Screenings

• The main screening tools for prostate cancer are
  the digital rectal examination (DRE) and the
  prostate specific antigen (PSA) test.
• The DRE test is a quick physical examination of
  the rectum. This allows the doctor to feel the
  back portion of the prostate for size and any
  irregular or abnormally firm areas.
• The PSA test is a blood test that allows doctors
  to check the levels of PSA (a substance produced
  by cells from the prostate gland). The levels of
  PSA can be higher in men who have prostate
  cancer.

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Should I Be Screened?

• There is insufficient evidence to recommend for
  or against routine screening for prostate cancer.
  The decision is up to you and your doctor.
• Talk to your health care provider about
• The nature and risk of prostate cancer
• The risks, benefits, and alternatives to
  screening
• Any decision you make should be consistent with
  your preferences and values.