- The Wellness Center
- Buffalo Grove Fitness Center

Community Health Initiatives:

Prostate Screening

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed among American men, affecting 1 in 6 men during their lifetime. In 2002, 189,000 men in the United States were diagnosed with prostate cancer, and estimated new cases in the US during 2008 is 186,320. The estimated deaths from prostate cancer in the US during 2008 is 28,660. Currently, it is the second leading cause of death due to cancer in men. Fortunately, recent improvements in detection and treatment have significantly improved the outlook for men diagnosed with prostate cancer.

The current recommendation for prostate cancer screening is once a year beginning at age 50 for all men without risk factors such as a family history of the disease or African American heritage. Screening should begin as early as 40 years of age for African American men and those with a family history of prostate cancer.

Screening consists of a rectal exam (DRE -- digital rectal exam) and a blood test (PSA -- prostate specific antigen). To perform a DRE, the doctor places his/her gloved finger into the patient's rectum to feel the prostate gland and examine it for size, consistency, and shape. Most men say the exam is not painful. The PSA is done to determine the level of a certain protein made by the prostate. It increases significantly when a tumor is present, but can also be increased by infection and benign (noncancerous) prostate enlargement. The test involves drawing blood from a vein in the patient's arm. Usually, these tests are done at the time of a regular checkup. If results of either test are not normal, the doctor may suggest further evaluation by a urologist, a doctor who specializes in diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer.

What are the risk factors for prostate cancer?

• Age
Prostate cancer occurs more frequently in older men. According to the American Cancer Society, 64% of all prostate cancer cases are diagnosed in men aged 65 and older.
• Family History
Family history is the strongest risk factor for prostate cancer. A man with one close relative (such as a father OR brother) with prostate cancer has twice the risk of developing prostate cancer as a man with no family history. This risk factor is also dependent of the age that the relative was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
• Ethnicity
According to 2005 American Cancer Society data, the risk of African American men getting prostate cancer is almost 70% more than in white men.
• Diet
A typical US diet high in fat and low in vegetables is associated with an increased risk for prostate cancer. To what extent dietary factors contribute to and/or prevent prostate cancer is currently under research.

What if I Have A Positive Screening?

NCH has the technology and quality of care to help you with any prostate problem you might encounter after your screening. Visit any of the following links for more information on some of Northwest Community Hospital's services:

• Prostate Brachytherapy
• Men's Health Services
• CyberKnife® Stereotactic (SRS) Radiosurgery System

• The da Vinci® Surgical System
• Cancer Services
• Radiation Oncology Services

Meet NCH's new Prostate Health Specialist, Juli Aistars, RN

Have a question not answered here? Juli Aistars is here to assist you.

Juli Aistars, RN, MS, AOCN, is Northwest Community Hospital's Prostate Health Specialist. Juli is an Advanced Practice Nurse with 26 years of experience in oncology nursing, including 8 years at NCH. Juli's role has been developed to provide all levels of support for Northwest Commmunity Hospital patients with prostate cancer.

To read more about Juli, click here. To submit a confidential question to Juli, click here.

Juli Aistars is also available by email at jaistars@nch.org or telephone at 847.618.6572 during business hours.

Last Updated on 11/12/08