Prostate Imaging

Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor growth within the prostate gland. While cause is unknown, some studies have shown a relationship between high dietary fat intake and increased testosterone levels. This hormonal role has been suggested by observing that men whose testicles have been destroyed or removed do not develop prostatic cancer, and prostate tumors regress after surgical removal of the testicles. Prostatic cancer is the third most common cause of death from cancer in men of all ages and is the most common cause of death from cancer in men over 75 years old. Prostate cancer is rarely found in men younger than 40 years of age. The incidence is greatest in black men over 60 years old. Increased incidence is also associated with farmers, tire workers, painters, and men exposed to cadmium. The lowest incidence occurs in Japanese men and vegetarians.

It has been projected that, in 2002, an estimated 33,000 men will die from prostate cancer and approximately 198,000 men will be diagnosed with the disease. Statistical, that means that the probability of a man being diagnosed with prostate cancer is one in six where the probability of a women being diagnosed with breat cancer is one in nine. The 5-year relative survival rate has increased from 67 to 93 percent during the past 20 years; 72 percent diagnosed with prostate cancer survive at least 10 years and 53 percent diagnosed with prostate cancer survive at least 15 years. And the odds keep improving -- earlier discovery, new treatment options and longer term survival continue.