Researchers reporting in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society say the majority of men, who have early-stage, low or moderate-grade prostate cancer, often die from other causes, rather than prostate cancer. Which is why, they stress the importance of prevention and management of other health conditions in these patients.

Dr. James S. Goodwin and colleagues write: 'Once a diagnosis of cancer has been made, it can become the sole focus of medical care.' Quite understandable, as cancer is life threatening and often requires dramatic therapy. However, early diagnosis, screening, and improvements in cancer treatment have lowered cancer mortality, they note.

They believe older men with early-stage prostate cancer 'would be well served by an ongoing focus on screening and prevention of cardiovascular disease and other cancers.'