Quiz – State of Awareness
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Did you know that prostate cancer is the second-most common cancer in American men, after skin cancer? Take our quiz to see what else you might not know about this disease, which will affect about one out of eight men in their lifetime:
1. The prostate gland is found only in males and is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum.
A. True
B. False
2. Which of these conditions is a sign of prostate cancer?
A. Benign prostatic hyperplasia
B. Prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia
C. Both of the above
D. Neither of the above
3. Once diagnosed, prostate cancer needs to be treated immediately.
A. True
B. False
4. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein made by cells in the prostate gland, and its level can be found in a blood test. Most men without prostate cancer have PSA levels under ___ nanograms per milliliter of blood.
A. 4
B. 6
C. 10
D. 12
5. A digital rectal exam is less effective than a PSA blood test in finding prostate cancer.
A.. True
B. False
6. A common treatment for prostate cancer is _____.
A. Surgery
B. Radiation therapy
C. Hormone therapy
D. Chemotherapy
E. All of the above
1. A. True. The gland has a few purposes but its main one is to secrete fluid that helps carry sperm to the urethra.
2. D. Neither of the above. Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a common condition in which the prostate grows larger. It can lead to symptoms such as trouble urinating, but it is not cancer. Prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia is abnormal prostate growth but is not cancer.
3. B. False. In many cases, prostate cancer grows slowly. After consulting with their doctor, some patients may choose active surveillance (also known as watchful waiting), which means keeping an eye on the cancer, seeing how it grows, and having regular tests.
4. A. 4. When prostate cancer develops, the PSA level often goes above 4. However, a level below 4 is not a guarantee that a man doesn’t have cancer. About 15 percent of men with a PSA below 4 will have prostate cancer if a biopsy is done.
5. A. True. But it may be included as part of a prostate cancer screening because it can sometimes find cancers in men with normal PSA levels.
6. E. All of the above. There are several options for treatment of prostate cancer. A discussion of treatment goals and side effects, as well as the stage and grade of the cancer, with your doctor and clinical effectiveness team will help you determine the best course.
Source: Krames Health Library at www.sjchs.org.