Take charge of prostate cancer By Bhavesh Balar, M.D. Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer among men in the United States. The Prostate Cancer Foundation estimates that during 2006, nearly 234,500 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in America. About one in six men will be diagnosed with the disease during his lifetime, but only one in 34 men will die as a result. Prostate cancer occurs when the cells of the prostate begin to grow uncontrollably and develop into tumors. Symptoms of the disease include frequent urination, difficulty urinating, sexual dysfunction, painful or burning urination, blood in body fluids or frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips or upper thighs. Prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, is a substance made by normal prostate cells and can be measured in blood - the higher the PSA level, the higher the indication of prostate cancer. While PSA levels tell how likely a man is to have prostate cancer, the results do not provide a definitive diagnosis. Men with high PSA results are advised to have biopsies to determine whether or not they have cancer. Prostate cancer risk factors are centered on three key factors: age, family history and race, with African American men at higher risk. Studies have also shown a link between high testosterone levels and increased prostate cancer risk. According to the National Cancer Institute, studies suggest that selenium, an essential trace mineral, and vitamin E (alone or in combination) may reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer by 60 percent and 30 percent, respectively. SELECT (Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial), the largest-ever prostate cancer prevention trial, including more that 35,000 men, is currently under way. The effect of diet on prostate cancer risk also is pivotal. A low-fat, high-fiber diet and regular exercise can slow prostate cancer cell growth by up to 30 percent, according to a study by researchers at UCLA. Treatment options for the disease take into account the stage and grade of cancer, age and expected life span of the patient as well as patient preferences about treatment side effects. Older men, and men with serious health problems, may deal with prostate cancer like a chronic disease. Younger and healthy men often seek treatments that will eliminate the disease, such as external radiation, radical prostatectomy and radioactive implants. You can learn more about prostate cancer at the discussion, "Cancer Awareness: Prostate - An Evening with the Experts," on Sept. 27, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at CentraState Medical Center in Freehold. This evening will provide an opportunity to speak with physician specialists regarding prostate cancer. A prostate cancer support group member also will be present to discuss the benefits of group support. Registration is required; call (732) 294-0011. Bhavesh Balar, M.D., is a hematologist/oncologist on staff at CentraState Medical Center, Freehold Township. Dr. Balar is board-certified in internal medicine and hematology/oncology.