Convincing men to test for prostate cancer is an ongoing challenge. A recent article in the South Florida Times provides a great example. A 46 year old man recently diagnosed with prostate cancer organized a free seminar attended by 80 men. Of the 80, only 33 took a blood test (41%) and only 27 (34%) agreed to a digital rectal exam. We guys are a macho bunch, but there is a very real danger here. The 10-year survival rate for treatment prior to metastasis is 97%; for post-metatastic treatment the 10-year survival rate is only 17%. If we survivors can gently remind our colleagues about the need for testing and tracking the annual change - if any, we can make some significant inroads into late diagnoses. The Prostate Cancer Awareness Project is sending a rider across the US by bicycle in 2010 to raise funds for awareness events. Visit http://www.TourdeUSA.org and join the team.
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Please feel free to make a comment. We are gathering information on a not-for-attribution basis about the stage of men's prostate cancer at diagnosis. If you feel comfortable in telling your story, we would like to know how you were diagnosed at the stage of your cancer at initial diagnosis.