First some facts and figures:

• More than 75% of prostate cancers are diagnosed in men 65 years or older. 
• African Americans have a higher incidence for prostate cancer, and are twice as likely to die from prostate cancer that white males.  This is partially due to the fact that African Americans are more likely to be seen by a physician when the disease is more advanced.  
• A man with a 1st degree relative that has a history of prostate cancer, has 2-3 times more risk than the general population of developing prostate cancer. This risk increases to 6 times with a 1st and 2nd degree relative that have prostate cancer. 
• Over 170,000 cases of Prostate cancer diagnosed in 1999
• Over 35,000 deaths from Prostate cancer in 1999
• Can occur at any age, but most common over the age of 50.
• Twice as common in African-American Men.
• 89% of those with diagnosed prostate cancer live longer than 5 years after diagnosis.
• 63% of those with diagnosed prostate cancer live longer than 10 years after diagnosis.
• If found before it spreads outside the prostate gland, then survival approaches 100%.
• If prostate cancer is found to have spread to the tissues surrounding the prostate gland, then survival is approximately 94%.
• If prostate cancer has spread to areas distant from the prostate, then the survival rate is approx. 30% after 5 years.
• There is an approximate 10% increase in your chances of getting prostate cancer if another male in you family has had it.
• The older you are the greater your chance for prostate cancer.
• High fat diet is believed to be associated with an increase in prostate cancer.

Once you receive a diagnosis of prostate cancer or are treated for the disease, you may experience a range of feelings — including disbelief, fear, anger, anxiety, emptiness and depression. You may not be able to get rid of these distressing feelings. But you can find positive ways to deal with them so that they don't dominate your life. The following strategies can help you cope with some of the difficulties of prostate cancer:

• Be prepared. Ask your doctor questions and read about prostate cancer and its potential side effects. The fewer the surprises, the more quickly you'll adapt.
• Maintain as normal a routine as you can. Don't let the cancer or side effects from treatment dominate your day. Try to follow the routine and lifestyle you had before learning of your cancer. Go back to work, take a trip, join your children or grandchildren on an outing. You need activities that give you a sense of purpose, fulfillment and meaning. But realize that to begin with, you may have some limitations. Start slowly and gradually build your level of endurance.
• Try not to wallow in sad feelings. Seek diversions and plan at least one enjoyable experience every day. This might include a pursuing a hobby, playing golf or going to a movie. Make it something you enjoy and look forward to.
• Get plenty of exercise. Exercise helps fight depression and is a good way to relieve tension and aggression.
• Look for ways to compensate. If you have problems with incontinence, sit in the back of the movie theater or meeting room instead of the front. That way you're less conspicuous if you need to leave for the bathroom. Sit in an aisle seat on an airplane or train. Wear absorbent undergarments if you're not sure whether you'll be near a bathroom. Avoid caffeinated products, which tend to increase your need to urinate.
• Open up to a friend, a family member or a counselor. Cancer is too heavy a load to carry all by yourself. Sometimes it helps to talk with someone about your deepest feelings and fears. Your mind and body aren't separate. The better you feel emotionally, the better you'll be able to physically cope with your illness. Some men find joining a support group helpful because it can provide you with a sense of belonging, give you an opportunity to talk with people who understand your situation and provide you with advice. Your doctor or someone you know who has experienced prostate cancer may be able to help you locate a support group. Or you can contact a national cancer organization such as the American Cancer Society, 800-ACS-2345 (800-227-2345), or Cancer Care, 800-813-HOPE (800-813-4673).
• Seek sexual contact. Your natural reaction to impotence may be to avoid all sexual contact. Don't fall for this feeling. Touching, holding, hugging and caressing may become far more important to you and your partner. In fact, the closeness you develop in these actions can produce greater sexual intimacy than you've ever had before. There are many ways to express your sexuality.
• Look for the positive. Cancer doesn't have to be all negative. Good can come out of it. Confrontation with cancer may lead you to grow emotionally and spiritually, to identify what really matters to you, to settle long-standing disputes and to spend more time with people important to you.