PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – There are nearly 900,000 cases of prostate cancer diagnosed each year and over 250,000 deaths worldwide. Men of African ancestry are at particularly high risk.

Researchers from USC report they have fould a link with chromosome 17q21 that is associated with prostate cancer in this group. Although there is not a direct advantage regarding treatment, it is key that early screening for prostate cancer and careful management needs to be emphasized. The best way to do this is by improving public education and perhaps greater use of the media to explain the importance of screening.

In addition, physicians need to be aware of the importance of teaching their high risk patients about this and emphasizing the importance of early detection and care.

Reported By Dr. Brian McDonough, KYW Newsradio Medical Editor