Prostate Cancer and Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

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Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in the United States, affecting 17 percent of men, but age plays a role in the likelihood of developing the disease. In fact, more than 65 percent of all prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over the age of 65. And for men 70 and older, the chance of developing prostate cancer becomes more common than any other cancer in men or women. More than 20,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with ovarian cancer annually. A woman's risk of getting ovarian cancer during her lifetime is about 1 in 73. This cancer mainly develops in older women. About half of the women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer are 63 years or older. Busting 5 Myths about Prostate and Ovarian Cancer
  1. No symptoms means no cancer.
Prostate cancer is one of the most asymptomatic cancers. Not all men experience symptoms.
  1. The Pap test screens for ovarian cancer.
The Pap test is a screening tool for cervical cancer. There is no screening test for the early detection of ovarian cancer.
  1. Vasectomies cause prostate cancer.
The procedure has not been linked to increasing a man’s chance of getting prostate cancer, but has led to more clinic visits, which has increased the rate of detection.
  1. Oral contraceptives cause ovarian cancer.
The opposite is true; use of oral contraceptives results in a 40 to 50 percent decrease in the risk of ovarian cancer.
  1. I’m safe because it doesn’t run in my family.
Family history does increase a man’s odds to 1 in 3, but of all men, 1 in 6 will be diagnosed. Genetic or hereditary causes of ovarian cancer account for only 5 to 10 percent of the estimated 23,400 cases of ovarian cancer diagnosed each year in the United States. Get involved The Prostate Cancer Foundation has been leading the fight against prostate cancer since 1993. Since then, new medicines and therapies have been developed to help treat and overcome instances of cancer. During September, you can help by participating in efforts hosted by the Prostate Cancer Foundation. The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition has been providing education and support for women with ovarian cancer and their families since 1995. Their Why Teal campaign aims to raise awareness about the disease and the people it affects. Sources: Prostate Cancer Foundation, CMPMedica: Myths and Facts about Ovarian Cancer, National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, American Cancer Society.