For men and their loved ones, two of the many issues surrounding prostate cancer are fear and confusion. An estimated 220,900 men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year, 900 in Maine.

According to the American Cancer Society, uncertainty over testing and treatment can cause some men to ignore the realities of the cancer. In some cases, men will make rash decisions about their health care without fully understanding all available options. The society emphasizes the importance of learning about prostate health and the benefits of informed decision making.

“Facing these decisions can be difficult, and it’s even harder for men who try to make them alone,” said Kip DeSerres of the American Cancer Society.

“The society encourages men to discuss their options with their doctors and families. In some cases, a physician may recommend a period of watchful waiting, using regular checkups to safely monitor the status of the cancer. When treatment is recommended, a patient armed with factual information is much more comfortable with his decision.”

The society’s messages on prostate cancer are:

. Get as much information about prostate health as you can. Talk with your doctor to determine your personal risk for prostate cancer.

. Understand all available testing and treatment options so you can make an informed decision. Contact the American Cancer Society for information about all aspects of prostate cancer 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

. Man to Man, the society’s community-based program, provides patient education, support to patients and family members, and awareness of prostate cancer to men diagnosed with prostate cancer. Trained prostate cancer survivors meet one-on-one, in person or by telephone, with newly diagnosed men in many communities.

Nelson Leavitt, an Augusta community leader, businessman and prostate cancer survivor himself, manages the dual role in Central Maine of a Man to Man visitor and coordinator, making visits or phone calls to prostate cancer patients and matching up several other volunteer visitors with other new patients. To learn more about this program or to volunteer, call Leavitt at 623-5375.

The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 28,000 men in the United States will die from prostate cancer this year, about 100 men in Maine.

The society strongly urges universal access to, and education about, prostate screening options. It recommends both the prostate-specific antigen blood test and digital rectal exam for men who decide to be tested.

Once a man has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, the prognosis depends on the extent of the cancer, the course of treatment selected and other individual aspects.

To better understand prostate cancer and how the disease might be prevented, detected and treated, the American Cancer Society pursues an aggressive research program. From 1997 to 1999, the society awarded some $25.3 million for prostate cancer research. In 2002, it awarded 19 new prostate cancer research grants, totaling $8.1 million.

And, as of Jan. 1, 65 society grants totaling $29.2 million were in effect to support prostate cancer research. The American Cancer Society is the largest private, not-for-profit source for cancer research funds in the United States.

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer, through research, education, advocacy and service.

For more information, call toll-free (800) ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.