Prostate Cancer One Of The Top Ten Cancers

New reported cases in 2009 192,280 new cases were reported unfortunately there were also 27,360 deaths which occurred.

The prostate is about one inch in diameter gland located at the bottom of the bladder. It weighs roughly 20 grams and is comprised of gland, muscle, fibrous and vascular tissue. Regardless of it's tiny size it can be the foundation for a life-threatening condition known as prostate cancer.

Men 90 years of age and older upon their death autopsy's showed signs of prostate cancer.

Researchers in March of 2010 found that infertile men may have greater chances of developing vigorous prostate cancer. Dr. Thomas Walsh of the University of Washington who headed the research had stated "What is surprising is that we see this high rate of high-grade prostate cancer." He went on to state that the definitive effect on vigorous tumors is essential. The first reason being that the added risks is not just limited to infertile men being screened more frequently because of urology visits. Second is that infertility can extend to more lethal cancers.

Older age, obesity, family history and being African American can also contribute to the risk factors of Prostate Cancer.

The American Urology Association advocates screening for men 40 years old and older.

Most recent findings on mortality found that in 2004 prostate cancer deaths rated at 25 per 100,000 American men. It was estimated that in the same year there were 2,000,000 survivors.

In the very late 1980's PSA (prostate-specific antigen) tests showed a vast development for the management of prostate cancer. The test measures the amount of protein in the blood, which often if prostate cancer is present the count will be levitated. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1986 affirmed the PSA tests to monitor patients with prostate cancer. In 1994 it also approved the tests to be used as a screen test to detect the cancer.

Since the unlimited application of the PSA testing in the United States. 90% of all prostate cancers were qualified in early stages and more men have survived longer.

Currently there are advanced treatments of prostate cancer which include new surgical applications and improved radiotherapy.

Hormonal therapy now include the advancement of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists,

which avert the dexterity of the pituitary gland, to exhilarate the testes to produce testosterone. Goserelin, triptorelin and histrelin are other agonists that are used today.

Chemotherapy has also made advancements for prostate cancer. Two considerable clinical trails sponsored by the NCI found that the use of the drug docetaxel could possibly extend the lives of men who had advanced stages of the cancer and no response was found anymore from using hormonal therapy.

The American Cancer Society recommends men make a educated decision with their physicians as to whether or not to be tested. The American Cancer Society also believes that men should not be tested without fully knowing about the risks and credible benefits about testing.

At the age of 50 men should discuss with their physicians the ups and downs of testing so they can make an informed decision on whether to be tested or not. It is advised that if you are African American or have a father or brother who had prostate cancer before 65 years of age then you should discuss possible testing with your physician at the age of 45. If you do decide to be tested a PSA blood test should be done regardless of having a rectal exam or not.