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Cancer Plan: Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the third most common cancer diagnoses for Maine men. In 2006, it is estimated that 1,470 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and 170 men will die. In Maine, the incidence of prostate cancer is increasing while the mortality rate is decreasing (Figures 26 & 27).
Figure 26: Age-Adjusted Prostate Cancer Incidence Rates, 1995-2002
Source: Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program and the Maine Cancer Registry Program
Figure 27: Age-Adjusted Prostate Cancer Mortality Rates, 1995-2002
Source: National Center for Health Statistics
Whether to recommend screening for prostate cancer among asymptomatic men is a difficult public health issue. There is currently no consensus among major medical and health organizations in the United States about recommendations for screening. Several national organizations, including the American Cancer Society and the American Urological Association, recommend that health care professionals offer the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test. Other organizations, including the United States Preventive Services Task Force, do not advocate for routine prostate cancer screening.
While there is inconclusive evidence to promote widespread prostate cancer screening, several national organizations endorse shared decision making between men and their health care professionals (Appendix D). This includes men and their health care professionals discussing the potential benefits and uncertainties regarding prostate cancer screening and subsequent treatment, consider patient preferences, and individualize the decision to screen or not.
Among racial groups, African American men have the highest risk of dying from prostate cancer, and their increased risk begins at earlier ages. In addition to age and race/ethnicity, the only other known risk factor for developing prostate cancer is family history. Risk of developing prostate cancer in men who have a father, brother, or son with prostate cancer is two to three times the risk than for other men.
Goal: To reduce prostate cancer mortality in Maine by 2010.
Objective 1: Increase primary care physicians’ awareness of the risks and benefits of early detection prostate cancer screening by providing four educational sessions annually by 2010.
Strategies
- Provide advocacy for ongoing implementation of Prostate Cancer Coalition initiatives.
- Survey hospitals to determine existing prostate cancer education efforts.
- 3. Seek funding to support and expand efforts.
- 4. Monitor new and ongoing national studies of prostate cancer screening.
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