The Importance of Early Detection

According to UW Cancer Center Johnson Creek radiation oncologist Dr. Deepak Khuntia, most prostate cancers, if caught early, have extremely high cure rates.

"PSA screening is a very important part of the early detection process. Fortunately, we have state-of-the-art tools right here in the area to not only diagnose the cancer early, but also treat it effectively with either surgery, prostate seed implants, or external beam radiation for cure."

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed non-skin cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among American men.

Knowing the risk factors for prostate cancer can help you determine if and when you want to begin prostate cancer screening. The main risk factors include:

• Age: As you get older, your risk of prostate cancer increases. After age 50, your chance of having prostate cancer increases substantially. About 70 percent of all diagnosed prostate cancers are found in men age 65 years or older. The recommendation to have PSA testing begins at age 50 (40 if you have risk factors) and continues until you're at the age when your life expectancy is 10 years or less.
• Race or ethnicity: For reasons that aren't well understood, African-American men have a higher risk of developing and dying of prostate cancer.
• Family history: If a close family member - your father or brother - has prostate cancer, your risk of the disease is greater than that of the average American man.
• Diet: A high-fat diet and obesity may increase your risk of prostate cancer.