Fact: If caught early, prostate cancer is 100 percent curable.

However, because there are no major signs up prostate cancer until it is in its late stages, the diagnosis and mortality rates of the disease are shocking and the statistics are shocking.

According to the American Cancer Society:
*Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men.
*More than 238,590 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in 2013
*More than 29,000 men will die of prostate cancer in 2013
*One in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime
*In honor of Prostate Cancer Awareness month this September, here are a few things that men and the women in their lives need to know.

It’s a “Men Only” Club

Men do not get Ovarian cancer because they don’t have ovaries, and women cannot get Prostate cancer because they don’t have prostates. Further, this “man disease” is more often present in men over age 60, with two thirds of men diagnosed being over the age of 60. But that’s not to say those who are younger can’t be affected. While it rarely occurs men under the age of 40 can also be affected by the disease.

Risk Factors & Prevention

There is no one thing that causes prostate cancer.

So, what does this mean for men?

It’s time to put those butter-soaked potatoes down!

As with so many diseases, diet and lifestyle matter.

First and foremost, men can help promote better prostate health by avoiding processed foods and choosing more nutrient-rich options when dining out and at home.

Some other diet tips:
* Avoid the fried chicken line and opt for a leaner grilled chicken for dinner.
*Eat more plant fats and less animal fats. Instead of cooking in butter tonight, try olive oil!
*Opt for fish a couple nights a week.
*Reduce your dairy intake and skip the sour cream!
*Drink more tea instead of soda – green tea is the best for you.
*Alcohol – moderation is key. Having three beers with the guys every night isn’t good for the waistline, or wallet.

But changing up your diet is just the first part to promoting better health. Equally as important is regular exercise. Try to participate in 30 minutes of exercise at least four times a week to help promote circulation and get the heart rate up.

And of course—don’t forget regular doctors’ visits.

The Prostate Exam

Most Prostate Cancers are detected during annual exams. So, men 50 and over should see their doctor once a year to receive a digital rectal examination and a blood, screen which tests the prostate-specific antigen (PSA).  But don’t fret this exam, men! Sure, it’s uncomfortable, but it is the best way to check for any issues with your prostate.

Since early detection is key in diagnosing prostate cancer, you should know the signs and symptoms of the disease.

What to watch for:

* Difficulty urinating
* Pain or burning when urinating
* Blood in urine
* Frequent urination
* Deep pain in lower back, abdomen or pelvis

If you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, there are options in treatment. Each option should be explored thoroughly with a qualified physician to decide the best method for the patient.

The options include, but are not limited to:

Active surveillance – essentially watchful waiting, this option may be best for those in very early stages or with very slow growing cancer

Prostatectomy – surgical removal of the entire prostate gland and some surrounding tissue

Radiation Therapy – directed radioactive exposure that kills the cancerous cells and surrounding tissues

Hormone Therapy – also known as androgen-deprivation therapy or ADT, prostate cancer cell growth relies the hormone testosterone as the main fuel; ADT removes that fuel
Chemotherapy – the use of chemicals that kill or halt the growth of cancer cells

No matter what the age, it’s never too late to start taking me
asures to protect your health.

Scottsdale radiation oncologist Dr. Daniel Reed is a partner at Arizona Center for Cancer Care, a multispecialty group of Arizona’s most recognizable names in cancer treatment and technology. He has been treating prostate cancer for more than two decades, and his team just announced a relationship with Scottsdale Healthcare wherein they are now overseeing all radiation oncology care at both the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center and Scottsdale Osborn facilities. For more information, www.arizonaccc.com.