November 21, 2008
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Men's Health

SEPTEMBER IS PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

The prostate is the gland below a man's bladder that produces fluid for semen. Prostate cancer is the third most common cause of death from cancer in men of all ages. It is rare in men younger than 40.

Levels of a substance called prostate specific antigen (PSA) is often high in men with prostate cancer. However, PSA can also be high with other prostate conditions. Since the PSA test became common, most prostate cancers are found before they cause symptoms. Symptoms of prostate cancer may include

  • Problems passing urine, such as pain, difficulty starting or stopping the stream, or dribbling
  • Low back pain
  • Pain with ejaculation

Prostate cancer treatment often depends on the stage of the cancer. How fast the cancer grows and how different it is from surrounding tissue helps determine the stage. Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or control of hormones that affect the cancer.

http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/cancer/types/361.printerview.html
Prostate Cancer: What You Need to Know(American Academy of Family Physicians)

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/prostate
What You Need to Know about Prostate Cancer (National Cancer Institute)

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/CRI_2_3x.asp?rnav=cridg&dt=36
Detailed Guide: Prostate Cancer(American Cancer Society)

For more information on prostate cancer, visit MedlinePlus at:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/prostatecancer.html

Men's Health - General Information

While the life-expectancy gap between men and women has decreased, it's no secret that men still need to pay more attention to their bodies. Several things work against men. They tend to smoke and drink more than women. They don't seek medical help as often as women. Some men define themselves by their work, which can add to stress.

There are also health conditions that only affect men, such as prostate cancer and low testosterone. Many of the major health risks that men face - like colon cancer or heart disease - can be prevented and treated with early diagnosis. Screening tests can find diseases early, when they are easier to treat. It's important to have regular checkups and screenings.

For more information on men's health, visit these sites:

http://www.ahrq.gov/ppip/healthymen.htm Men: Stay Healthy at Any Age (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality)

http://www.cdc.gov/men/tips/index.htm Tips for a Healthy Life for Men (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Bone/Osteoporosis/men.asp Osteoporosis in Men (National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases)

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/men-and-depression/index.shtml Men and Depression (National Institute of Mental Health)

For more information, contact:

Margie Gacki, Medical Librarian
Western Maryland Health System
Library Services

Memorial Campus Library/Media Center
600 Memorial Ave.
Cumberland, MD 21502
301-723-4027

Braddock Campus Library
900 Seton Drive
Cumberland, MD 21502
301-723-5229

E-mail:
mgacki@wmhs.com

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