According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men aside from skin cancer, and is the second-leading cause of cancer-related death among American men, following lung cancer. In 2011, approximately 240,890 new prostate cancer diagnoses will be made and approximately 33,720 men will die as the result of prostate cancer. As September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, it is an appropriate time to understand the threat of prostate cancer and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
The prostate is a gland, found only in men, that creates some of the fluid that nourishes and protects sperm cells in semen. There are various types of prostate cancer, including sarcomas, transitional cell carcinomas and small cell carcinomas, but all can start in the prostate gland. Cancer that starts in gland cells is referred to as adenocarcinoma. Prostate cancer may weaken or slow urinary flow, increase frequency of urination, deposit blood in urine, or cause impotence. Most prostate cancers develop slowly, which increases the chances of effective treatment and recovery with early diagnosis.
Even if a patient is symptom free, early stage cancers may be found upon biopsy and other testing after a patient has an abnormal PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test and/or DRE (digital rectal exam); both of which should be part of every man’s general physical examination annually. The chances for effective treatment, survival and recovery depend upon early and/or timely diagnosis and treatment.
If you or a loved one is suffering with the ramifications of delayed prostate cancer diagnosis, you may have cause for legal recourse. Contact the delayed prostate cancer diagnosis attorneys in New Jersey with Blume Forte at 973-845-4421 for a no-cost consultation.