Prostate cancer is a disease that affects many men across the United States and the world. Symptoms include difficulty in urination and erectile dysfunction. Except for skin cancer, cancer of the prostate is the most common form of cancer to afflict American men. Projected estimates indicate that 218,890 men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2007.

Prostate Cancer Risk Factors

An important risk factor concerning prostate cancer is age; more than 70 percent of the men that are diagnosed with this disease are over the age of 65. Data from the American Cancer Society shows that African American men have a substantially higher risk of prostate cancer than white men, Hispanic or Asian men. Genetic factors may also be a factor, especially for families in which the diagnosis is made when the man is under the age of 60. The number of close relatives with the disease directly correlates with one's risk of prostate cancer.

Role of Health Insurance in Prostate Cancer Detection

As more and more research is done on prostate cancer, the following conclusion reappears: men who have health insurance policies are less likely to die from prostate cancer.

This is not to say that men who have health insurance policies do not develop the disease. The difference is, these men have access to health care and to screenings that can detect prostate cancer early on and treat it if necessary. This is a strong argument for men to purchase a health insurance policy.

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Prostate Cancer and Your Health Plan

When looking for a health insurance policy, you should make sure that your policy covers prostate preventative care and prostate treatment options.

Prostate Preventative Care

Men over the age of fifty, men with a family history of prostate cancer, or men who are considered high risk should have annual prostate exams. These exams can help detect prostate cancer in the early stages and can make treatment more effective. There are two types of preventative exams: a blood test referred to as prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing, or a digital rectal exam. Many health insurance policies over preventative exams, and laws are being passed in many states that will require health insurance companies to provide such coverage.

Talk to a health care professional today to see if your health insurance plan covers preventative exams. If it doesn't you may want to find a health plan that does.

Prostate Cancer Treatment Options

Two popular treatment options for prostate cancer are surgery and radiation therapy. Comprehensive health insurance plans should cover both, at least to some degree. However, coverage differs from plan to plan, so if you are shopping for a new health insurance plan be sure to speak with a representative to ensure that you understand your specific coverage plan and payments.

Prostate cancer is a definite threat to your health if it goes undetected. Undergo regulary scheduled, annual prostate exams and be sure to see your physician at the first sign of a symptom or irregularity. Since preventive care and early detection can be a live saver when it comes to prostate cancer, a solid health insurance plan is essential.

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