By Dr. James Brown
Urologic Oncologist
MCGHealth

He may not want to listen when he’s lost and you offer driving directions, but your husband may take your advice when it comes to his health. So talk to him about prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, affecting one in six.

But most are uncomfortable bringing up this subject with their doctor. However, the intimacy that a wife shares with her mate enables her to make a difference in his prostate health by encouraging healthy habits and regular screenings.

More than 186,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2008 according to the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Some symptoms men may experience include frequent, hesitant or burning urination; difficulty in having an erection; or pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips or upper thighs. Wives can keep a watchful eye on their husbands and help them recognize and quickly relay these signs to their physician.

Men at high risk, such as African-American men, and men with a strong family history of cancer or prostate cancer should begin screening at age 45. Otherwise, regular screening is recommended starting at age 50. The American Cancer Society recommends that physicians use two tests to screen your husband for prostate cancer: the PSA, or prostate-specific antigen blood test and a digital rectal exam. Sharing this information with your husband so he knows what to expect can ease his fears before his checkup.

A wife can also work toward reducing her husband's cancer risk - and her risk, too - by promoting and sharing in healthy lifestyle habits, including:

• Making healthy food choices.
• Exercising regularly.
• Maintaining a healthy weight.
• Limiting alcohol consumption.
• Eliminating tobacco use.
• Drinking lots of water.

But it’s not just wives who can make a difference. Mothers, daughters, sisters and friends can also take an active role in protecting the men in their lives by advocating regular checkups and healthy living. Should prostate cancer strike a man you know, you can provide immeasurable strength and support by helping him absorb the news and make the best treatment decision, then by fighting beside him to win the battle.

MCG Health, Inc. (d/b/a MCGHealth) is a not-for-profit corporation operating the MCGHealth Medical Center, MCGHealth Children’s Medical Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center, and related outpatient facilities and services throughout the state. For more information, please visit mcghealth.org.