This Father's Day, June 21, 2009, the Michigan Institute of Urology is sponsoring the first annual "Run for the Ribbon 5K Walk/Run" to be held at the Detroit Zoo starting at 8:00 AM.  The "Run for the Ribbon" race was created to promote prostate cancer awareness.  Proceeds from the race will be used for prostate cancer research and treatment in southeastern Michigan.

     The most common form of cancer affecting American men, other than skin cancer, is prostate cancer.  One out of 6 men will get this form of cancer and one out of 35 men will die from it.  The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that there will be 192,280 new cases diagnosed and 27,360 deaths from prostate cancer this year.  

     Fortunately, the death rate from this disease is declining and its presence is being detected earlier according to the ACS.  You can help these trends continue by joining the fight against prostate cancer.  Decrease the negative impact that this disease can have on your life or that of a loved one by increasing your knowledge about its signs and symptoms, risk factors, and suggested ways to prevent it (see below). 

Risk Factors*:

• Age - most cases occur in men over the age of 65, but can occur at any age
  
• Race - African-American men are more likely to develop and die from prostate cancer than caucasian-American men
• Family History - men whose close family members (father or brother) who have had this disease are at a greater risk
• High-fat diet - research is suggestive of a possible link between a high-fat diet and prostate cancer

*Note:  The actual cause of prostate cancer is unknown, however, these factors are related to a higher incidence of the disease.

Signs and Symptoms*:

• Impotence
• Urinary or fecal incontinence
• Presence of blood in urine
• Weakness/numbness in legs and/or feet
• Pain in back, hips or ribs

*Note:  Signs and symptoms of prostate cancer usually do not occur until the later stages of cancer.  It is not uncommon for the man in the early stages of this disease to be asymptomatic.

Prevention:

• Although more research is needed, it is suggested that following a low-fat diet that limits fats from red meat and dairy products and is composed of a variety of fruits and vegetables may prove to be beneficial.  Diets that contain tomatoes and soybeans may be linked to a lower incidence of prostate cancer as well.

The Best Defense Against Prostate Cancer:

• Early detection - this can be done through a routine blood test called a PSA (prostate-specific antigen, a protein produced by the prostate cells) or by a rectal exam.  High levels of PSA may indicate the presence of cancer.  If high levels are detected then further tests, such as a biopsy, will be done.  A tumor on the prostate may be detected during the rectal exam.  As with a finding of high PSA levels, if an abnormality is detected during the rectal exam, further tests will be conducted.

     Give a father the gift of life this Father's Day by participating in "The Run for the Ribbon 5K Walk/Run" at the Detroit Zoo.  For more information on the race and how to register, visit www.MIURunForTheRibbon.com.

Resources:

American Cancer Society "Facts on Prostate Cancer and Prostate Cancer Testing" brochure

American Cancer Society "After Diagnosis: Prostate Cancer Understanding Your Treatment Options" brochure