September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, with the intent to increase public awareness of the importance of prostate health and screenings, education about risk factors and symptoms, and advocacy for further research.
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in American men. Being common doesn’t make the diagnosis any less frightening. It’s important to discuss your treatment options with your doctor.
Prostate Cancer Facts:
- Most common solid tumor cancer in American men and second in all cancers behind skin cancer.
- Risk factors include age, family history, race and geography. To learn more about the specific risk factors, please go to the American Cancer Society prostate cancer info page >>
- Diet and obesity have a less clear impact on prostate cancer risk, but may be factors in its development. More research is needed to determine the exact link.
- It occurs mainly in older men (60% in men age 65+) with the average age of diagnosis being 66.
- Survival rates for prostate cancer are high. It’s highly treatable when detected early.
- Prostate cancer is often slow growing.
- Early prostate cancer often has no symptoms.
If you or a loved one are concerned about prostate cancer or potential risks, talk to your primary care provider. I you’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer, or any type of cancer, the Nassif Community Cancer Center is here for you. We offer a wide range of support services to cancer patients and survivors. Services include exercise, integrative wellness, nutrition and so much more.
To learn more, call us at (319) 558-4876 or visit communitycancercenter.org.
Content source for this article: Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa.
