Urology Care Foundation Encourages Proactive Steps for Prostate Health This September
September 02 2024 - 10:05AM
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and the Urology Care
Foundation is focused on saving lives by ensuring that people with
prostates are proactive rather than reactive regarding their
prostate health.
According to the American Cancer Society, cases of prostate
cancer are rising each year, with a 3% per year increase since 2014
and a 5% per year increase in advanced prostate cancer diagnoses.
It is estimated that about 299,010 men will be newly diagnosed with
prostate cancer in 2024, and around 35,250 men will not survive –
the most deaths from any cancer in men after lung cancer.
“I’m lucky my prostate cancer was caught early. My urologist
said if I waited a couple of months to come to see him, I wouldn’t
be alive because I had a very bad cancer, “said prostate cancer
survivor Pete Kastanes. “It got me thinking I need to tell people,
particularly men, if something is wrong, go see your doctor.”
When caught early, prostate cancer is highly treatable, which is
why the American Urological Association (AUA) and Urology Care
Foundation are using September to raise awareness about the disease
and encourage people with prostates to know their risk and talk to
their doctor.
Nearly one out of every eight men in the U.S. will be diagnosed
with prostate cancer during their lifetime. Aside from age, risk
factors for prostate cancer include family history and race.
However, the odds increase to:
- 1 in 6 if they are African American
- 1 in 5 if they have a family history
“It’s important that both healthcare providers and patients
recognize the importance of early detection in prostate cancer. We
continue to improve our diagnostics and understand the different
types of prostate cancer, including low-grade, low-risk cancers
that can be safely surveilled,” said Ruchika Talwar, MD, a urologic
oncologist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. “If you do need
treatment, it’s reassuring to know that you have several options
based on your individual goals and priorities. Shared
decision-making and supporting men through their prostate cancer
journey is, in my opinion, one of the most rewarding parts of my
career as a urologic oncologist.”
The AUA suggests men ages 45 to 69, with an average risk for
prostate cancer, talk to their doctor about whether prostate cancer
testing is right for them. For men with a higher risk of getting
prostate cancer, they should consider talking to their doctor as
early as 40-54 years of age.
“I think it is important to be proactive with prostate cancer
because the sooner it is diagnosed, the more chance you have of
getting rid of or managing the cancer,” said Henry Butler, prostate
cancer survivor. “If you have the opportunity to get tested, which
enables early detection, you should really take that chance to take
control of the cancer. I know it can be scary, but information is
key to a healthy future.”
What You Should Know About Prostate Cancer:
- Prostate cancer risks increase with age. More than half of all
prostate cancer is found in people older than 65.
- People who are African American and those who are Caribbean of
African ancestry are 17x more likely to be diagnosed with prostate
cancer and 2.1x more likely to die from prostate cancer. They are
also more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer at a younger
age.
- Being exposed to harmful chemicals may put you at risk for
prostate cancer. Some special groups may be at higher risk,
including those working in farming, factories, fire and rescue, and
research labs, as well as veterans or on active duty with the
military.
- When screening or checking for prostate cancer, two tests may
be done: the PSA blood test and the optional digital rectal exam
(DRE).
- PSA is a protein made only by the prostate gland. A lower PSA
means a lower prostate cancer risk, but a high level of PSA can be
a sign of other prostate problems, not just prostate cancer.
- DRE is an optional physical test to feel the prostate for
problems. It is done to feel for any lumps, bumps or an abnormal
shape or thickness in the prostate.
The Urology Care Foundation acknowledges that opting for
prostate cancer screening is personal. Prior to testing, consult
your doctor about your risk, including your personal and family
history and the risks of being tested.
For everything you need to know about prostate cancer, check out
the Urology Care Foundation's Prostate Cancer Info Center, and
scroll through
its X, Facebook and Instagram platforms
for free prostate cancer resources, including fact sheets,
podcasts, videos and more.
About the Urology Care Foundation: The Urology Care
Foundation is the world's leading nonprofit urological health
foundation, and the official foundation of the American Urological
Association. Partnering with physicians, researchers, healthcare
professionals, patients, caregivers, families and the public, the
Foundation supports and improves urologic clinical care by funding
research, developing patient education and pursuing philanthropic
support. To learn more about the Urology Care Foundation and its
programs visit: www.urologyhealth.org.
About the American Urological Association: Founded in
1902 and headquartered near Baltimore, Maryland, the American
Urological Association is a leading advocate for the specialty of
urology, and has more than 25,000 members throughout the world. The
AUA is a premier urologic association, providing invaluable support
to the urologic community as it pursues its mission of fostering
the highest standards of urologic care through education, research
and the formulation of health policy. www.AUAnet.org
- Urology Care Foundation Encourages Proactive Steps for Prostate
Health This September
Corey Del Bianco
Urology Care Foundation
443-909-4033
cdelbianco@auanet.org