NEWS RELEASE TEMPLATE

GIVE MEN INFORMATION TO MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION BEFORE PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING

DATELINE (And Date) – Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men in the United States. In its Cancer Facts and Figures 2013, the American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that 4,880 men in Maryland will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and 560 will die from it in 2013. In the US, approximately 238,590 men will be diagnosed and 38,460 will die from prostate cancer in 2013. All over Maryland people are taking part in campaigns supporting Prostate Cancer Awareness and Men’s Health Issues.

In May 2012, the United States Preventative Task Force (USPTFS) issued a final recommendation statement on the use of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening test to find prostate cancer. It concluded that the expected harms of PSA screening are greater than the potential benefit. A man’s decision to be screened for prostate cancer should reflect a clear understanding of the possible benefits and harms. It is very important that men communicate with their doctors in order to make informed decisions about whether to be screened based on their personal values and preferences.

Prostate cancer often causes no symptoms at all or may cause blood in the urine, frequent urination (especially at night), weak or interrupted urine flow, pain or a burning feeling while urinating, and constant pain in the lower back, pelvis, or upper thighs. Men should consult with their health care provider if any of these symptoms occur.

The main risk factor for prostate cancer is age: the chance of a man getting prostate cancer increases with age. Other risk factors are having a father or brother with prostate cancer and being African American. Although it is not yet known how to prevent prostate cancer, not smoking, having a healthy diet, being physically active, and maintaining a healthy weight can help to lower the risk of many types of cancer, while also reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

For more information about prostate cancer, call the (insert name of local health department) at (insert telephone number) or contact the 24-hour line of the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Information Specialist at 1-800-ACS-2345 (1-800-227-2345).