RADIATION THERAPY FOR PROSTATE CANCER
Non-Surgical Options Facts to Help Patients Make An Informed Decision

Facts About Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy in American males.

• In 2003, nearly 230,000 men were diagnosed as having prostate cancer, making it the number one type of cancer in men.
• More than 28,000 men died from prostate cancer in 2003.
• More than 75 percent of men with prostate cancer are diagnosed in men after age 65.

Risk Factors For Prostate Cancer

Incidence of prostate cancer increases with age.

• Median age at diagnosis in Caucasian men is 71.
• African-American males have the highest incidence of prostate cancer worldwide.
• Heredity accounts for 5 to 10 percent of cases.

Screening For Prostate Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, men aged 50 or older should have a digital rectal exam (DRE) and a PSA blood test. However, it is a good idea to be screened earlier to establish a baseline PSA level so you can monitor changes.

• Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is an important marker for prostate cancer although BPH or infection may also cause a rise in PSA.
• Normal range is 0-4, however, a PSA above 3 in men under 60 may be considered abnormal.
• Men with a family history of prostate cancer and African-American men should be examined beginning at an earlier age.

Diagnosing Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is most often diagnosed through a blood test measuring the amount of prostate specific antigens (PSA) in the body. However, signs and symptoms of prostate cancer can include:

• Changes in urinary flow: Frequency, urgency, hesitancy.
• Painful urination.
• Frequent nighttime urination.
• Blood in urine.

These symptoms may also be caused by an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hypertrophy or BPH) or infection.

Radiation Therapy Options For Treating Prostate Cancer

After a diagnosis of prostate cancer has been established with a biopsy, the patient should discuss his treatment options with a radiation oncologist and a urologist. Radiation therapy treatment options to cure prostate cancer include:

• External beam radiotherapy.
• Prostate brachytherapy.

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