Prostate Cancer Coalition of North Carolina

 Prostate Cancer / Breast Cancer

Brother / Sister Diseases

Your NamePCCNC Women’s Programs

www.pccnc.org Your phone number

Screening is key

Had your annual mammogram & clinical breast exam?

We are all concerned about breast cancer

1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with BC

Has your partner had a prostate exam?

We need to be concerned about prostate cancer

1 in 6 men will be diagnosed

Facts & Statistics

• When detected and treated early, prostate cancer can be effectively treated or managed in as many as 100% of cases.

• Prostate cancers most common symptom is NO SYMPTOM AT ALL!

• On average, every 3 minutes a man is diagnosed with prostate cancer, and every 15 minutes a man dies of this highly treatable cancer.

Think Prostate Cancer Only Effects Men?

NC Gender Disparities

Per 100,000, more men are dying of prostate cancer then women are dying of breast cancer.

Breast cancer deaths, 25.4 per

Prostate cancer deaths, 32.4 per

Source: NCI State Cancer Profiles

NC Racial Disparities

• In some parts of North Carolina, African-American men are as much as 3 times more likely to die of prostate cancer then Caucasian men.

• The reasons for this are being explored.

• They may include socio-economic factors, medical mistrust, genetics, lifestyle… but is most likely some combination of these factors.

• Follow the PCaP (North Carolina – Louisiana Prostate Cancer Project) for developments.

• www.ncla-pcap.org

Little Known NC Native American Disparity

Source: NCI State Cancer Profiles

My Story

Supplement details about your personal story/why you advocate for awareness here

Prostate Cancer Risk Factors

Genetics Ethnicity Family History

Toxins Such as Agent Orange Dietary Carcinogens

Viruses

True of False

Prostate cancer is an old man’s disease FALSE! Prostate cancer can kill at any age… and younger men

typically have more aggressive forms of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is easy to cure

While treatments and management techniques are improving, there is not a cure.

Men die with prostate cancer, not from it When detected early, when the cancer is localized, survival rates

are excellent. Prostate cancer always exhibits symptoms

FALSE! It’s most common symptoms is NO SYMPTOM AT ALL! Prostate cancer is slow growing

While some cases of prostate cancer are slow growing, others rapidly multiply and spread to other parts of the body.

Annual Check-ups Are His Best Defense

The earlier Prostate Cancer is detected, the better chances of survival

Early detection means there are more treatment options available

How Often Should You Be Tested ?

Baseline at 40 and 45 Annually, if....

You are 40 or over, and have a risk factor such as a family history of prostate cancer, African-American descent, or a baseline PSA of .6 or higher

By age 50 all men should be screening annually

What Tests Are Used to Screen for PC?

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test Desirable value is age and history dependent

Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) “No abnormalities felt” is the desirable

outcome Both tests are needed for complete

screening

Statistics Demonstrate Women Are Better…

than men about seeing their physicians on a regular basis

A “LITTLE” coaxing may be in order….

Possible Symptoms

Frequent urination at night Weak or interrupted urine flow Inability to urinate Painful or burning urination Blood in urine Pain or stiffness in lower

back or hips Decreased sexual function

Urge Him to See a Physician

Offer to make the appointment Make sure doctor’s office schedules PC

screening Suggest that you both talk to someone

you know who has had prostate testing Be supportive Don’t Panic……

Don’t Panic, Because He May

not have prostate cancer have a non-cancerous swelling of

the prostate have an inflammation of the

prostate

If He Is Diagnosed With Prostate Cancer

Start by asking the doctor about treatment options, side effects

Become a student, do your own research, become informed

Research: library, internet Contact local PC support group to speak

personally to a survivor and his partner

If He is Diagnosed With Prostate Cancer

Help him take control

Examine his choices with him

Ask questions about treatment

Match treatment with the man

Education is everything

Visit or join a support group

Talk about it together

Make it a team effort

Summary

Take care of yourself – get annual mammograms and clinical breast exams. Don’t forget your monthly breast exams!

Make sure your has an annual prostate examination and a PSA blood test.

If you encounter resistance from medical community, INSIST ON SCREENING!!!

Contact Information