Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, except for skin cancer, in the United States and the 2nd leading cause of cancer death in men after lung cancer. About 1 in 8 U.S. men will develop prostate cancer in his lifetime. When we detect prostate cancer early, treatment can result in a cure for up to 90% of men.

The University of Kansas Cancer Center’s prostate cancer program has been recognized as 1 of 13 Clinical Centers of Excellence in the nation by Urology Times. Additionally, U.S. News & World Report ranks our urology program among the nation’s top in cancer care. The urologic surgical oncologists at The University of Kansas Cancer Center set the standard for care and treatment in prostate cancer and other urologic specialty areas.

We also offer the Burns & McDonnell High-Risk Prostate Cancer Screening Program, the first of its kind in the Kansas City region. The program is available to men from across the Kansas City area and beyond who are at high risk of developing prostate cancer. Patients receive comprehensive services delivered by cancer doctors and advanced practice providers from numerous specialties, at multiple convenient locations 5 days a week. The program is part of The University of Kansas Cancer Center’s effort to provide the region with the most advanced cancer prevention and care available anywhere.

The prostate is a gland that sits just below the bladder. Responsible for making part of the fluid for semen, the prostate is about the size of a walnut in young men and usually grows larger as you age. Prostate cancer occurs when cells in the prostate become abnormal. Over time, these cells can form a tumor.

Most prostate cancers grow slowly and don’t spread past the prostate gland. This type of prostate cancer may require only minimal treatment, or even no treatment at all. However, other types of prostate cancer can be more aggressive and grow very quickly. Like other kinds of cancer, prostate cancer can spread beyond the prostate to other organs of the body (metastasize).

As with many cancers, doctors have a better chance of successfully treating prostate cancer when we can diagnose it early. This can be a challenge, as early stage prostate cancer often has few symptoms. To diagnose prostate cancer, doctors recommend regular screening.

Screening for prostate cancer is the cornerstone of early detection. We recommend annual screening for:

• African American men over 40
• All men age 55 to 70
• Men over 40 with a family history of prostate cancer

To schedule a prostate cancer screening, call:

• 913-588-1227
• Toll-free 844-323-1227

For some men, making certain lifestyle changes can lower your risk of prostate cancer. Our team will work closely with you to make the best recommendations for your health.