Prostate Cancer | Louisiana Department of Health
Source: http://dhh.louisiana.gov/office-of-public-health/prostate-cancer
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:21
Prostate Cancer | Louisiana Department of Health
Community Health & Wellness
Cancer
Prostate Cancer
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer occurs in the gland in males that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. It
is one of the most common types of cancer. Many prostate cancers grow slowly and are confined to the prostate gland, where they may not cause serious harm. However, while some types of prostate cancer grow slowly and may need minimal or even no treatment, other types are aggressive and can spread quickly.
Prostate cancer that's detected early — when it's still confined to the prostate gland — has the best chance for successful treatment.
About 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.
Prostate cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths among men in Louisiana.
Signs & Symptoms
A need to urinate frequently, especially at night
Difficulty starting urination or holding back urine
A weak or interrupted flow of urine
Painful or burning urination
Hematuria (blood in the urine)
Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection
Painful ejaculation
Blood in the semen
Decreased volume of ejaculation (though hydration, diet and frequency of ejaculation are more likely than prostate cancer to impact the volume of fluid)
Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips or upper thighs
Swelling in the lower extremities
Risk Factors & Behaviors
Older age
Race (Black)
Family history
Obesity
Smoking
There's no definitive way to prevent prostate cancer - but as with most cancers - eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and limiting alcohol use may reduce risk.
Testing
There is no standard test to screen for prostate cancer. Two tests are commonly used (PSA and DRE), however, it is important to talk to your doctor to learn which test is best for you. Talking to a doctor to learn more about the risks and benefits of prostate cancer screening is key. Early screening and testing are associated with improved survival outcomes. Men at higher average risk should talk with a doctor about testing options at age 40.
Men aged 40-50 should get screened annually, especially African American men and men with increased risk due to family history. The risk of prostate cancer further increases around age 75.
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is the gold standard for testing for prostate cancer. measures the level of PSA in the blood. PSA is a substance made by the prostate. The levels of PSA in the blood can be higher in men who have prostate cancer.
Treatment
Surgery
Radiation therapy
Freezing or heating prostate tissue
Hormone therapy
Chemotherapy
Immunotherapy
Targeted drug therapy
Local Resources
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center: Prostate Cancer
Louisiana Cancer Research Center
National Resources
National Cancer Institute: Prostate Cancer
American Cancer Society: Prostate Cancer
CDC: Prostate Cancer
Prostate Cancer Foundation
ZERO Prostate Cancer
Prostate Cancer Research Institute
Surgeon General
Evelyn Griffin, MD
Secretary
Bruce D. Greenstein
Powered by
Cicero Government
Community Health & Wellness
Cancer
Prostate Cancer
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer occurs in the gland in males that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. It
is one of the most common types of cancer. Many prostate cancers grow slowly and are confined to the prostate gland, where they may not cause serious harm. However, while some types of prostate cancer grow slowly and may need minimal or even no treatment, other types are aggressive and can spread quickly.
Prostate cancer that's detected early — when it's still confined to the prostate gland — has the best chance for successful treatment.
About 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.
Prostate cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths among men in Louisiana.
Signs & Symptoms
A need to urinate frequently, especially at night
Difficulty starting urination or holding back urine
A weak or interrupted flow of urine
Painful or burning urination
Hematuria (blood in the urine)
Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection
Painful ejaculation
Blood in the semen
Decreased volume of ejaculation (though hydration, diet and frequency of ejaculation are more likely than prostate cancer to impact the volume of fluid)
Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips or upper thighs
Swelling in the lower extremities
Risk Factors & Behaviors
Older age
Race (Black)
Family history
Obesity
Smoking
There's no definitive way to prevent prostate cancer - but as with most cancers - eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and limiting alcohol use may reduce risk.
Testing
There is no standard test to screen for prostate cancer. Two tests are commonly used (PSA and DRE), however, it is important to talk to your doctor to learn which test is best for you. Talking to a doctor to learn more about the risks and benefits of prostate cancer screening is key. Early screening and testing are associated with improved survival outcomes. Men at higher average risk should talk with a doctor about testing options at age 40.
Men aged 40-50 should get screened annually, especially African American men and men with increased risk due to family history. The risk of prostate cancer further increases around age 75.
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is the gold standard for testing for prostate cancer. measures the level of PSA in the blood. PSA is a substance made by the prostate. The levels of PSA in the blood can be higher in men who have prostate cancer.
Treatment
Surgery
Radiation therapy
Freezing or heating prostate tissue
Hormone therapy
Chemotherapy
Immunotherapy
Targeted drug therapy
Local Resources
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center: Prostate Cancer
Louisiana Cancer Research Center
National Resources
National Cancer Institute: Prostate Cancer
American Cancer Society: Prostate Cancer
CDC: Prostate Cancer
Prostate Cancer Foundation
ZERO Prostate Cancer
Prostate Cancer Research Institute
Surgeon General
Evelyn Griffin, MD
Secretary
Bruce D. Greenstein
Powered by
Cicero Government