September is Prostate Awareness Month

Sep 29

September is Prostate Awareness Month, a time to educate and raise awareness about one of the most common cancers affecting men. Prostate cancer develops in the prostate gland, a walnut-sized organ located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The prostate surrounds part of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body.

The numbers

Prostate cancer is a serious health concern in the United States:

An estimated 313,780 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2025
About 35,770 men will die from the disease
Overall, 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime

The disease affects some populations more severely. Black men are 17 times more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and 2.1 times more likely to die from it compared to other men.

Who should be screened?

Men ages 45 to 69 are strongly encouraged to speak with their doctors about prostate cancer testing. Those with additional risk factors may need to consider earlier screening, especially if they:

Are of advanced age
Are of Black or Caribbean descent
Have a family history of prostate abnormalities

How is prostate cancer detected?

Physicians can test for prostate cancer using:

Blood tests
Digital rectal exams
Biopsies

Your doctor can help determine which option is best for you.

The good news

Thanks to early detection and better treatment, prostate cancer death rates have dropped 50% between 1993 and 2022. Testing and timely treatment can save lives.

To learn more about prostate cancer, symptoms, and treatment options, visit the American Cancer Society website for reliable resources.

Take action this September. Talk to your doctor about whether prostate cancer screening is right for you. Early detection is key.