Why Men Need to Get Tested for Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in America . . .

  • 1 in 6 men will be diagnosed with it at some point in their lives
  • 40% of all prostate cancer cases are diagnosed in men under the age of 65
  • Prostate cancer is most treatable when detected early
  • Prostate cancer usually shows no symptoms until it has reached an advanced stage
  • Early detection is easiest when men track their PSA over time and establish a baseline

Prostate Cancer Risk Factors

  • Age
  • Family history
  • Genetic factors
  • Race
  • Lifestyle
  • Dietary habits

Risk for Aggressive Prostate Cancer

  • Tall height
  • Lack of exercise and a sedentary lifestyle
  • High calcium intake
  • African-American race
  • Family history
  • Agent Orange exposure

Begin Prostate Cancer Testing at Age 35

The CJF does not provide medical advice. However, we do recommend that men begin testing for prostate cancer at age 35, and here’s why . . .

  • Over 40% of prostate cancers occur before the age of 65
  • Aggressive prostate cancers tend to develop earlier
  • Prostate cancer shows no symptoms until it is advanced and difficult to cure
  • Having an annual PSA test and tracking the results lets men see if their PSA trend is rising, which is an early indication of possible prostate cancer
  • If cost is an issue, men can have a PSA test from the same lab their doctor likely uses for less than $40.00. Men receive the test results directly, usually within three days. Locate a lab and schedule a test at the following link: Schedule a PSA blood test.

Prostate Cancer Resources

The Prostate Cancer Awareness Project
The Prostate Cancer Awareness Project is a program of the Cancer Journeys Foundation. The website contains resources for newly-diagnosed men and their families along with a wealth of information and links to resources.

Malecare
Founded in 1998, Malecare is the largest all-volunteer nonprofit organization for men diagnosed with cancer in the United States.

Movember Foundation
During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of mustaches on thousands of men’s faces, in the US and around the world. With their Mo’s, these men raise vital awareness and funds for men’s health issues, specifically prostate and testicular cancer initiatives.

PAACT
For over 25 years, PAACT has been providing reliable, unbiased information and support for prostate cancer patients, survivors, their doctors, companions, and families. The non-profit serves men who are newly diagnosed, dealing with recurrent, or metastatic or advanced.

ProstateCancerInfoLink
ProstateCancerInfoLink is a blog that provides ongoing, topical information about prostate cancer. It is a service of Prostate Cancer International.

Prostate Cancer Foundation
Founded in 1993, the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) is the world’s largest philanthropic source of support for prostate cancer research to discover better treatments and a cure for prostate cancer. PCF pursues its mission by reaching out to individuals, corporations and others to harness society’s resources.

Prostate Cancer Research Institute
The Prostate Cancer Research Institute’s mission is to improve the quality of men’s lives by supporting research and disseminating information that educates and empowers patients, families, and the medical community.

The Prostate Net
The Prostate Net Today is a website where men diagnosed with prostate cancer can readily access information empowering them to make treatment decisions that ensure a desirable quality of life

ProstateTracker
ProstateTracker is a program of the Cancer Journeys Foundation. ProstateTracker is a free Internet-based App that tracks men’s annual prostate cancer PSA blood test results and provides early warning of prostate cancer. It’s free. It’s easy. It’s anonymous. It saves men’s lives!

Us TOO
Us TOO was founded in 1990. Its mission is to help men and their families make informed decisions about prostate cancer detection and treatment through support, education and advocacy.

Zero The Project to End Prostate Cancer
The goal of Zero is to provide comprehensive treatment information to patients, education to those at risk and conduct free prostate cancer testing throughout the country.

ProstateNetwork
The ProstateNetwork serves the entire Kansas City area. Prostate cancer survivors and partners are welcome. ProstateNetwork host support meetings twice each month: ProstateNetwork monthly meeting schedule.