Prostate cancer and breast cancer

Prostate Cancer: is the most common cancer in men – other than skin cancer. In 2020 the American Cancer Society estimates there will be 191, 930 cases and 33,330 deaths from prostate cancer. One man in 9 will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime but only 1 in 41 that develop prostate cancer die from it. It is rare in men under 40 years of age. 60% of cases are diagnosed in men over 65 years old.

There are no clearly identified risk factors for prostate cancer. Being overweight increases the risk of prostate and other cancers. Excessive intake of dairy products and calcium supplements may also increase the risk for prostate cancer. Unfortunately there are no supplements of medicines that can prevent prostate cancer.

Screening and detection of prostate cancer is done with a blood test and a digital rectal examination by your healthcare provider. Prostate Specific Antigen is a blood test for a protein made by the prostate gland. Normal levels are less than 4. Values more than 10 have a rate of cancer above 50%. While this finds cancers in earlier stages of the disease, screening has not resulted in men living longer. A rectal exam also detects the lesions of prostate cancer and should be done annually in men.

A biopsy of the prostate is the best way to diagnose prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is treated by urologists and oncologists. There are a variety of surgery, radiation and hormonal treatments that are effective in treating prostate cancer.

Breast Cancer: is the most common cancer in women – other than skin cancer. In 2020 the American Cancer Society estimates there will be 325,010 cases and 42,170 deaths from breast cancer. One woman in 8 will develop breast cancer and the risk of dying from it are only 2.6%. Since 2013 the death rate from breast cancer has decreased 1.3% each year. There are over 35 million breast cancer survivors in the United States today.

Risk factors include being overweight and not being physically active. Drinking alcohol increases the risk, the risk increases by 20% in women drinking 2-3 drinks per day. Hormone therapy increases risk – including the use of oral contraceptives (small increase). Estrogen replacement therapy after menopause increases the risk of cancer and it is often found at a more advanced stage. The risk resolves after being off the therapy for 5 years.

Some forms of breast cancer are due to gene mutations that are inherited. Having a first-degree relative (a mother, sister or daughter) with breast cancer doubles your risk and having 2 affected primary-relatives increases risk 3-fold. If you have a strong family history ask your provider about being evaluated for possible genetic breast cancer.

Mammograms are the primary test to screen for breast cancer. They permit cancers to be found in earlier stages where good outcomes are more likely. Women should get annual mammograms from age 45 to 55. They can decrease to every other year after age 55. 3-dimensional mammograms are now available.

Dr. Samuel Abbate is a local physician practicing in Wasilla.