Men With Health Risk Behaviors Unaware Of PSA Test

Main Category: Urology / Nephrology
Also Included In: Prostate / Prostate Cancer;  Men's health
Article Date: 23 Sep 2008 - 5:00 PDT

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New research of 7,297 men in California, published in The Journal of Urology ®, shows that self-reported prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test awareness was lower in current smokers, physically inactive men and obese men - a population with what researchers called, "health risk behaviors." This study shows the need for more publicity to raise awareness of prostate cancer screenings. There is no better time than Prostate Health Month to raise awareness about prostate cancer screening.

The AUA and the AUA Foundation are trying to reach out to the public about prostate health. We are pleased to be co-sponsoring a number of events with different community partners to promote prostate health, education and awareness. Please see the attached calendar of events for more information on free Webinars, free prostate cancer screenings and 5K Runs/1 Mile Fun Walks around the nation that raise money to fund prostate cancer research. For more information on common prostate conditions or to find a urologist or a free or low-cost prostate cancer screening near you, please visit www.UrologyHealth.org

. The American Urological Association (AUA) and AUA Foundation want men to know that prostate cancer is curable, if found early through prostate cancer screenings. The AUA recommends that both a PSA test and a digital rectal examination (DRE) be offered annually, beginning at age 50 years, to men who have a life expectancy of at least 10 years. Men at high risk (those with a family history of prostate cancer or African American men) should consider beginning testing at an earlier age.

During this important month and throughout the year, the AUA can provide information, statistics and expert commentary on subjects related to prostate health. The AUA can assist in developing related story topics on prostate health, such as:

-- New risk factors for prostate cancer
-- Robot-assisted prostatectomy - the latest technology
-- New techniques and technology to treat prostate cancer
-- When should men have a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test to screen for prostate cancer?
-- What is active surveillance and when is it appropriate?
-- Treatment options for prostate cancer and what patients should know about each -- What is BPH/enlarged prostate? How is it treated?
-- What is prostatitis? How is it treated?

About the American Urological Association

Founded in 1902 and headquartered near Baltimore, Maryland, the American Urological Association is the pre-eminent professional organization for urologists, with more than 16,000 members throughout the world. An educational nonprofit organization, the AUA pursues its mission of fostering the highest standards of urologic care by carrying out a wide variety of programs for members and their patients, including UrologyHealth.org, an award-winning on-line patient education resource, and the American Urological Association Foundation, Inc.

www.UrologyHealth.org