Understanding Prostate Changes: A Health Guide for Men

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in American men, second to skin cancer. Prostate cancer tends to grow slowly compared to most cancers. About 16 percent of American men are diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives. Most men with prostate cancer do not die from the disease. Symptoms may include: trouble passing urine; frequent urge to pass urine, especially at night; weak or interrupted urine stream; pain or burning when passing urine; blood in the urine or semen; painful ejaculation; nagging pain in the back, hips, or pelvis. Your age, race, family history, and diet can affect your risk of developing prostate cancer. Screening for prostate cancer can help detect the cancer early when it is less likely to have spread and easier to treat. You should talk with your doctor about your risk of prostate cancer and your need for screening tests. To learn more about prostate cancer, read this guide to Understanding Prostate Changes.