Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Did you know that 1 in 6 men will get prostate cancer, but if caught early, nearly 100% will survive?
The most common form of cancer among men in the United States, other than some kinds of skin cancer, is prostate cancer. September is prostate cancer awareness month, so take this opportunity to learn more about this preventable and treatable disease.
Risk factors
Several factors can increase the risk of a man developing prostate cancer, such as:
- Age - The chance of getting prostate cancer goes up as a man gets older. About 2 out of every 3 prostate cancers are found in men over the age of 65.
- Race - Prostate cancer is more common among African-American men than among white men. And African-American men are twice as likely to die of the disease. Prostate cancer occurs less often in Asian men than in whites.
- Nationality - Prostate cancer is most common in North America and northwestern Europe. It is less common in Asia, Africa, Central and South America.
- Family history - Men with close family members (father or brother) who have had prostate cancer are more likely to get it themselves, especially if their relatives were young when they got the disease.
- Diet - Men who eat a lot of red meat or high-fat dairy products seem to have a greater chance of getting prostate cancer. These men also tend to eat fewer fruits and vegetables. Doctors are not sure which of these factors causes the risk to go up. The best advice is to eat 5 or more servings of vegetables and fruits each day and to eat less red meat and high-fat dairy products.
- Exercise - Although most studies have not shown a link to exercise, one recent study found that men over the age of 65 who exercised vigorously had a lower rate of prostate cancer.
Find It Early
Early detection is key to beating prostate cancer, so make sure to talk to your doctor if you are at risk. Your doctor should offer the proper testing yearly, beginning at age 50. Men at higher risk should begin testing at age 45.
If you do not have a doctor, you can find one by searching online.
Resurrection Health Care also offers prostate health screenings and events at the following hospitals:
- Saint Joseph Hosptial
- Westlake Hospital
- Our Lady of the Resurrection Medical Center
- Resurrection Medical Center
Take Part in the Decision
You should actively take part in the decision by learning about prostate cancer and the pros and cons of early detection and treatment. The links and resources below will provide you with more information.
- Prostate Cancer Overview and Links (American Cancer Society)
- Tips for a Health Life for Men (CDC)
- Prostate Cancer Information (CDC)
- National Prostate Cancer Coalition – Outreach, awareness, and advocacy
- Prostate Cancer – Overview (Health Information Library)
- Prostate Cancer – Information and Links (National Cancer Institute) – Research, statistics, treatment and testing information, and much more.
Sources:
American Cancer Society
National Prostate Cancer Coalition
