Increasing Prostate Cancer Awareness

Wyoming Cancer Surveillance Program

The Wyoming Cancer Surveillance Program (WCSP) identified prostate cancer as the most common form of cancer in Wyoming, but about the fifth leading cause of cancer death. In 2008, 453 cases of prostate cancer were diagnosed in Wyoming, and 52 men died from prostate cancer.

Considering these data, the month of September was devoted to prostate awareness. WCSP and Comprehensive Cancer Control Program held two tailgating parties on September 3^rd and September 10^th at University of Wyoming football games to promote awareness. Additionally, blue lights were placed around the capitol and a blue ribbon hung at the capitol for the month of September. The messages for the public included prostate cancer risk factors and diagnostic tests for prostate cancer as outlined below.

Risk factors for prostate cancer include—

• Age: Prostate cancer is rare in men under the age of 45.
• Family history: Risk increases if a father or brother had prostate cancer.
• Race: Prostate cancer is more common in black men than white or Hispanic men.
• Diet: Eating a high-fat diet can increase risk.
• Certain prostate changes: Men with prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) are at increased risk for prostate cancer.

Diagnostic tests for prostate cancer include—

• Blood test for prostate specific antigen (PSA).
• Digital rectal exam.
• Transrectal ultrasound.
• Transrectal biopsy.