Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men in the United States, other than skin cancer, with an estimated 240,890 new cases - affecting every one out of six men - this year.  Though prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among men, only surpassed by lung cancer, there are more than two million men in the U.S. today who count themselves as prostate cancer survivors.  The American Cancer Society offers support and guidance to men whether they're worried about developing prostate cancer, making decisions about their treatment, or trying to stay well after treatment.

Finding and treating prostate cancer early, when it can be treated more effectively, will help men live longer, healthier lives. The American Cancer Society urges men to stay well by talking with their doctors to make an informed decision about screening for prostate cancer after receiving information about the uncertainties, risks, and potential benefits associated with screening.  

Men at average risk should receive this information beginning at age 50. Men at higher risk, including African American men and men with a first degree relative (father or brother) diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65, should receive this information beginning at age 45. Men at appreciably higher risk (multiple family members diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65) should receive this information beginning at age 40. 

Because prostate cancer grows slowly, asymptomatic men who have less than a 10-year life expectancy based on age and health status should not be offered prostate cancer screening since they are not likely to benefit.

The American Cancer Society helps men get well by offering patient services and programs, such as Man to Man, a prostate cancer support group to help men cope with prostate cancer through community-based education and support for patients and their family members. Volunteers organize these free monthly meetings where guest speakers lead discussions and inform participants about prostate cancer, treatment, side effects, and how to cope with prostate cancer. Man to Man meetings, open to the public, are held in the Champlain Valley, Central Vermont, Caledonia County, Rutland County, and Bennington County.

"The American Cancer Society is dedicated to helping improve the quality of life for cancer patients and their families," said Kelly Stoddard, vice president for health and advocacy initiatives with the American Cancer Society.  "We offer the services and support which help ease the burden of the cancer journey and help save lives." 

The American Cancer Society is finding cures by conducting and funding research into how to better prevent, detect, and treat prostate cancer. Currently, the Society funds $2.8 million in prostate cancer research at New England institutions.

To learn more about prostate cancer or to find out more about American Cancer Society Man to Man support group meetings in your area, visit www.cancer.org/prostatecancer or call (800) 227-2345.