Let’s Talk About Prostate Cancer

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Here’s what you need to know.

Approximately 288,300 men are expected to be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2023. It is the most common cancer among men in the United States as almost 13% of men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lifetime. It is the second leading cause of cancer deaths for men. The causes of prostate cancer are not known.

What are the risk factors for prostate cancer? Risk factors include age, more than half of the men diagnosed are 65 years of age or older; race, being African American or Caribbean of African ancestry; a family history of prostate cancer; and inherited genetic mutations.

What are the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer? Signs and symptoms include but are not limited to difficulties with urination; blood in the urine or semen; and pain in the hips or back. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, see your doctor.

What can I do to prevent prostate cancer? There are currently no ways to prevent prostate cancer.

What can I do to reduce my risk of prostate cancer? The most important thing that you can do to reduce your risk is to see your doctor and get annual screenings.

For more information see: The website for the Center for Disease Control here ; and the website for the National Institute of Health here.