September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, a time to shed light on one of the most common cancers affecting men today. While prostate cancer is often treatable when caught early, many people don’t know the facts about risk, symptoms and screening. Understanding this disease—and encouraging loved ones to take action—can help save lives.
The Facts About Prostate Cancer
- Prevalence: Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in the United States, with about 1 in 8 men diagnosed during their lifetime.
- Risk factors: Age is the biggest risk factor. Most cases occur in men over 50. Family history also plays a role—men with a father, brother or son who had prostate cancer face higher risk. Black men are also at increased risk and are more likely to be diagnosed at a younger age.
- Symptoms: In its early stages, prostate cancer may cause no symptoms at all. When symptoms do appear, they can include trouble urinating, blood in the urine or semen, frequent urination (especially at night) or discomfort in the pelvic area. These signs don’t always mean cancer, but they should never be ignored.
Screening and Early Detection
The good news: prostate cancer can often be found before symptoms start through screening tests such as a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test or a digital rectal exam (DRE). Whether or not to be screened is a personal decision best made after talking with your healthcare provider about risks, benefits and family history. Men at average risk should begin discussing screening around age 50. Men at higher risk may want to start the conversation as early as age 40–45.
Taking Action
Awareness is the first step, but action is what makes the difference. Here’s what you can do this month:
- Talk openly with your doctor about prostate health and whether screening is right for you.
- Encourage loved ones—especially fathers, brothers and partners—to do the same.
- Support research and education by participating in awareness events, fundraisers or community screenings.
Prostate cancer is common, but it doesn’t have to be a silent threat. Early detection saves lives. This September, take time to learn the facts, share them with others and remind the men in your life to prioritize their health.