Pharmacy Phacts Brought to you by the Auburn University Healthy Tigers Program Editor: Joshua Settle, PharmD MEN’S HEALTH MONTH “PROSTATE HEALTH” INFORMATION   More than 30 million men suffer from prostate complications and more than 190,000 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed each year o Prostate Complications including:  Enlarged Prostate  Prostatitis (Infection in the prostate)  Prostate Cancer  Erectile Dysfunction  Urinary Incontinence Approximately 30,000 men die from prostate cancer every year RISK FACTORS FOR PROSTATE CANCER      Age (especially after age 50) Race (Blacks > Whites > Asian/Hispanic) Family history Inflammation of the prostate Sexually transmitted infections    Diet Genetics Smoking http://www.clker.com/clipart-11441.html DETECTION STRATEGIES FOR PROSTATE CANCER   Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) testing in a men’s blood Digital Rectal Exam SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS  If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, see your healthcare provider: o Difficulty initiating urination o Blood in semen o Difficulty stopping urination o Blood in urine o Frequent urination o Pain in the lower region of the body o Pain upon ejaculation (hips, thighs and lower back) HEALTHY PROSTATE TIPS:      Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight Stop smoking Eat foods that contain lycopene: tomatoes, watermelons, pink grapefruits Eat foods that are high in selenium: tuna, seafood and shellfish, wheat germ, eggs, sunflower and sesame seeds, cashews, mushrooms, garlic, and onions Have your doctor perform an annual PSA test and a digital rectal exam starting at age 50 or at age 45 for men at high risk of prostate cancers (i.e. African American men or men with a strong family history of prostate cancer) References Casey, John. "Tips for a Healthy Prostate." Men's Fitness. American Media, Inc. Web. 2012 June 7. http://www.mensfitness.com/training/tips-healthy-prostate. Prostate Health Guide. Men’s Health Network; c2005. Web. 2012 June 7. http://www.prostatehealthguide.com "WebMD Prostate Cancer Guide - Better Information for Better Health." WebMD. WebMD, LLC. Web. 2012 June 7. http://www.webmd.com/prostate-cancer/guide/default.htm "What Are the Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer?" American Cancer Society. American Cancer Society, Inc. Web. c2012. Last updated 2012 Feb 27, cited 2012 June 7. http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/ProstateCancer/DetailedGuide/prostate-cancer-risk-factors