Did you hear the news? These alarming 2010 projections for prostate cancer deaths were just released. Isn’t it nice that they were released just prior to Father’s Day, so have a happy Father’s Day.
These projections call for a massive 17 % increase in prostate cancer caused deaths as well as a more than 13 % rise in prostate cancer diagnoses this year as compared to 2009. These numbers represent the greatest percentage increase we have had since the mid-1990s.
——————————————-2009———————- 2010————-Percentage Increase
# of Men Diagnosed 192,280 *217,730 13.2%
# of Deaths 27,360 *32,050 17.1%
*Predicted Number of Cases
Source: The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program of the National Cancer Institute (NCI)
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Yet, we continue to argue about the value of PSA tests.
We still have only two approved treatments for men with advanced (fatal) prostate cancer. These two approved treatments will add only a few months of life, what is the deal?
Joel T Nowak, MA, MSW
Joel:
I take issue with your use of the parenthetical (fatal). A inexperienced reader might conclude that all advanced PC is fatal. You like to throw a pity party too often. I have gone from Gleason 10 to PSA 0 in less than a year and my health has not been better in at least 10 years. Much of my success is attributed to my refusal to believe in my mortality. I enjoy perfect health and my Doctor says he is treating me like my condition is chronic but not fatal.
Nobody here is arguing the validity of PSA tests. Thanks for the work you do but please stick to facts and don’t load your opinions in articles that factual in nature.
Scott:
Do you really believe that your current, temporary, lowered level of PSA is because of your refusal to accept mortality?
I thought we’re interested in science, exactly the studies that Joel supplies.
The rise in hormonal cancers such as prostate cancer, are the most likely to be caused by man-made hormone disrupting chemicals in the environmet, such as pesticides and those from plastic chemicals. Several studies show this to be the case.
When will governments clamp down on polluton for the sake of our health!