About Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed non-skin cancer in the United States. One in six American men will develop prostate cancer in the course of his lifetime. A little-known fact is that a man is 33% more likely to develop prostate cancer than an American woman is to get breast cancer.

These and other sobering facts are the driving forces of Check It Today, whose mission is to support research into better treatments and a cure for recurrent prostate cancer.

Prostate Cancer And You

Every man diagnosed with prostate cancer begins a deep personal journey for himself and his loved ones in determining the appropriate therapy for the disease. Receiving a diagnosis of cancer is always very difficult. Prostate cancer is particularly complicated due to the variety of treatment options and the lack of knowledge, in certain cases, as to the most appropriate treatment. However, learning more about the disease, understanding the treatment options and their risks and benefits, and discovering the diet and lifestyle changes that may improve the prognosis all can help empower patients. It lets them participate more actively in their care and helps in making informed choices about treatment options.

This website presents information about prostate cancer that anyone concerned about or diagnosed with prostate cancer should know. It is impossible, however, to present all the information that might be relevant to a particular diagnosis. Therefore, throughout CheckItToday.org, there are links to additional sources of information and support. And, of course, patients should consult with their health care provider regarding their individual situation.

Know the Facts

• Prostate cancer is the 2nd most common cause of cancer deaths in men in the U.S.
• Every 3 minutes, an American man finds out he has prostate cancer
• 50% of African-American men are more likely to get prostate cancer than any other race
• More than 220,000 men were diagnosed with the disease in 2003
• Early detection is crucial

• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Inability to urinate
• Trouble starting or holding back urination
• A weak or interrupted flow of urine
• Painful or burning urination
• Blood in the urine or semen
• Painful ejaculation
• Frequent pain in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs

• 1 in 2 Georgia men will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime
• More than 14,000 will die
• More than 35,000 Georgians will be diagnosed
• African-Americans in Atlanta have the worse mortality rate in the whole nation!