Did you know that one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime? It's the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in the US, following skin cancer. It's also the second leading cause of cancer death in American men, but just because you receive a diagnosis does not mean it's fatal. The important distinction lies in early detection. That's why September is officially known as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month—to educate men and their families on the importance of early screening, a proactive approach to care, and the fight to find a cure.
Important Facts About Prostate Cancer
There are over three million men in the United States who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and are still alive today. And, while the thought of getting a screening can be scary, being proactive can help increase your long-term prognosis so you can live a long, healthy life. To better understand if you or your loved one are at risk, consider the following:
Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer
Your risk for prostate cancer increases as you age, and men in their 40s need to start being proactive about prostate health. However, that doesn't mean the risk of developing prostate cancer is non-existent until you reach a certain age. Several factors go into play, so it's important to work with your urologist to determine when to start screenings.
According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer tends to develop more often in African American men than in men of other races. Statistically speaking, the prevalence jumps from one in eight to one in six, and they're 2.1 times more likely to die from prostate cancer. The onset of prostate cancer in men of African ancestry is also earlier than average, making prostate screening even more important.
Conversely, although the reasons are still unclear, prostate cancer occurs less frequently in Hispanic, Latino, and Asian American men than in African American and non-Hispanic white men. Still, race/ethnicity is not the only indicator of the risk of prostate cancer.
Another important risk to be aware of is any family history of prostate cancer. The risk more than doubles if you have a father or brother with prostate cancer or if you have several relatives who've had it. However, not all men with a family history will develop prostate cancer, and many cases occur in men with no history. Inherited variants of BRCA1 or BRCA2 can also increase your risk, which can be detected through genetic testing.
Other risk factors such as smoking, obesity, diet, and chemical exposures may also come into play, but according to the American Cancer Society's findings, these effects are less clear.
The Importance of Early Detection
When caught early, prostate cancer is extremely treatable. And, because it's often slow-growing, early detection and effective treatment means it has one of the highest 5-year survival rates of any cancer at 97%. The numbers are even higher for localized cases of prostate cancer (>99%), but advanced stages that have metastasized are difficult to treat.
What to Know About Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is a month dedicated to improving the education and awareness of prostate cancer. The goal is to encourage men to get screened for prostate cancer to take a more proactive approach to their health. This year, the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) challenges individuals to join the cause and "Power Up Your Health" through nutrition and exercise. You can learn more about joining their efforts here.
The History and Impact of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
In September 2003, President George W. Bush officiated the first Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. His proclamation stressed the importance of screening for early detection and learning about family history and risk factors. This year, in 2024, President Biden also released an official proclamation announcing September 2024 as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.
Many people don't realize the importance of this kind of awareness, but prostate cancer statistics are a great example of how your support can help. In 1992, the CDC estimated that 132,000 men would be diagnosed and 34,000 men would die from prostate cancer. In 2024, it's estimated that 299,010 men will be diagnosed, and about 35,250 will not survive. The important thing to note is that, despite the increase in prevalence, the mortality rate has fallen from 39.3 per 100,000 to about 19.0 per 100,000 over the years. This is a significant improvement, but there's still room for more.
The goal of this month is raising awareness, as awareness leads to more opportunities for early screenings for prostate cancer in aging or at-risk men.
How to Get Involved in Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
One of the best ways to get involved this month is to spread knowledge and support loved ones you know who are battling prostate cancer. There are also several things you can do to get active in the community and raise awareness. Some ideas include:
Get Educated
Prostate cancer can be a complex topic, with many myths and misconceptions surrounding it. This month, take some time to educate yourself about the disease—its symptoms, risk factors, and the different stages of progression. Some reliable online resources include the American Urological Association, the Urology Care Foundation, and the Prostate Cancer Foundation. You can also listen to the prostate cancer panel from last year's awareness team here for some crucial advice and statistics from leading urology experts nationwide.
Join a Local Event
Participating in local events is another powerful way to show your support this month. Many communities host events such as walks, runs, health fairs, and educational seminars to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer research. These events provide an opportunity to connect with others who share your commitment to fighting prostate cancer and to learn from those with firsthand experience.
Check your local community calendar or visit the organizations listed above. If your town doesn't have an event to raise awareness, consider taking the initiative and starting one yourself. Just make sure you get the necessary approval if you plan to hold larger-scale events requiring community assistance.
Advocate, Fundraise, or Donate
The American Urological Association (AUA) is the leading advocate for urology, with over 22,000 members worldwide. Their mission is to foster the highest standards of urologic care through education, research, and formulation of health policy. You can learn how to take action and support their cause here.
The Urology Care Foundation is the world's leading nonprofit urological health foundation and the official foundation of the American Urological Association. They aim to support and improve urologic clinical care by funding research, developing patient education, and pursuing philanthropic support. You can learn more about how to contribute here.
The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) is a philanthropic organization committed to ending the death and suffering caused by prostate cancer. It funds some of the world's most promising research on the biology and treatment of prostate cancer. You can donate to the PCF here.
Share Your Story
Personal stories can have a profound impact on raising awareness about prostate cancer. Whether you or a loved one have been affected by the disease, sharing your journey can inspire others to take proactive steps in their own lives. Your experience could provide hope, comfort, and encouragement to those currently battling prostate cancer and help educate others about the importance of early detection.
Consider writing a blog post, sharing on social media, or speaking at local events to spread your message. The more people talk about prostate cancer, the more we can reduce the stigma and encourage men to get screened.
Schedule a Prostate Cancer Screening
Perhaps the most critical action you can take this month is to schedule a prostate cancer screening for yourself or encourage others to do the same. If you're a man over the age of 40 or have risk factors such as a family history or being of African American descent, talk to your urologist today.
Even if you're not in a high-risk group, it's worth talking about. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests and digital rectal exams (DRE) are common screening methods that can help detect prostate cancer in its early stages when it's most treatable.
Byram Healthcare is proud to participate in Prostate Cancer Awareness Month by continuing to educate and support those who need it. We also carry a wide range of high-quality urologic supplies to individuals experiencing various urologic conditions, all of which can be discreetly delivered to your door. To learn more about our products and services, contact us today.
