Screening Can Prevent Prostate Cancer Deaths

According to the American Cancer Society, other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common occurring cancer in American men. It is estimated that in 2008 alone, there were 186,320 new diagnoses of prostate cancer in the country.

While 1 in 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, only 1 man in 35 will die of it, thanks to successful treatment therapies.

It is recommended for all black men and all men with a history of prostate cancer in their family to be tested annually starting at the age of 40. For all other men, annual testing is recommended starting at the age of 50.

Prostate screenings include a blood test and a digital rectal exam, where a doctor will insert a gloved finger into the rectum to feel for any physical abnormalities.