The key to successful treatment and continued health and vitality is an early detection. Specifically, the American Cancer Society advises digital prostate exam for men as of the age 40. For men age 50 and over, it recommends the prostate specific antigen blood test. In the case of African American males, among whom the incidence of prostate cancer is twice that of Caucasian men, PSA's are advised as of age 40. According to Carl J. Rossi Jr., MD, a radiation oncologist at Loma Linda University Medical Center's proton treatment center, prostate cancer strikes more aggressively in men under age 50 and maybe life threatening if not treated in its early stages.
Younger men are more vulnerable if there is a family history of prostate cancer.
Since the disease usually has no symptoms in its early stages, the best way to fight it is with an early diagnosis. Cancer medical specialists are divided about the best treatment options for prostate cancer. The preferred mode of treatment is dependent on a number of factors, least of which is the size of the tumor and the stage of the disease. Nonetheless, patients must ultimately make the decision, taking responsibility for educating themselves about all treatment options and their side effects. If the cancer is localized, proton therapy can make a significant difference in the care and treatment of prostate cancer.