A Banner Publication
September 14, 2006 – No. 1
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Source: MayoClinic.com. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

The prostate, a walnut-sized gland in the man’s reproductive system, is situated below the bladder and in front of the rectum. When enlarged, it squeezes the urethra, causing difficulty in urination.

PROSTATE SCREENING 101
  • Get screened before you have symptoms
  • Start screening at age 45 if you are African American or if your father or brother has had prostate cancer
  • If prostate cancer is found and treated early, the 5-year survival rate is almost 100%
  • Once prostate cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, the 5-year survival rate is about 33%

Source: American Cancer Society, Cancer Facts and Figures 2006, Atlanta: American Cancer Society, 2006

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
  • Inability to urinate
  • Frequent urination, especially at night
  • Difficulty starting or stopping the urine flow
  • Weak or interrupted urine flow
  • Pain or burning during urination
  • Blood in the urine
  • Frequent pain in the lower back, pelvis, or upper thighs

Source: “What You Need to Know About Prostate Cancer,” National Cancer Institute, September 2005