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Prostate Cancer Awareness Month: Early Detection & New Treatments
Learn about early detection and new treatments for prostate cancer during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, a crucial time to raise awareness about the disease, its warning signs, screening methods, and advancements in treatment. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among men in the United States, with over 288,000 new diagnoses expected this year alone. Alarmingly, Black men have the highest death rate for prostate cancer, emphasizing the importance of addressing disparities and improving outcomes within at-risk communities.
Early detection is key to improving survival rates for prostate cancer. Dr. Lorelei Mucci, a renowned prostate cancer researcher and director of strategic research partnerships at the American Cancer Society, stresses the significance of prevention, early detection, and treatment in combating this disease. Dr. Mucci leads the ACS initiative IMPACT, which aims to address negative trends and disparities related to prostate cancer incidence.
It is crucial to know the warning signs of prostate cancer, which can include urinary problems, pain during ejaculation, and persistent pain in the hips or back. However, in many cases, the disease may not present any noticeable symptoms, making regular screenings essential. While anyone with a prostate is at risk, certain factors such as age, family history, and race/ancestry can increase the likelihood of developing prostate cancer.
Effective treatments for prostate cancer exist, including surgery, radiation, and targeted therapies. In recent years, significant advancements have been made in the discovery and approval of new treatments, offering hope for patients. Regular screenings, particularly through the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, play a crucial role in catching prostate cancer early and reducing mortality rates, although the test’s limitations and potential overdiagnosis are subjects of ongoing research.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month serves as an important platform for sharing knowledge, experiences, and scientific advancements related to prostate cancer. By promoting awareness, education, and early detection, we can work towards improving survival rates, reducing disparities, and ultimately eliminating the burden of prostate cancer. It is vital for individuals, families, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to unite in their efforts to prevent, detect, treat, and support those affected by this disease.
For more information on prostate cancer, go to https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer.html
About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is a leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. For more than 100 years, we have been improving the lives of people with cancer and their families as the only organization combating cancer through advocacy, research, and patient support. We are committed to ensuring everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. To learn more, visit cancer.org or call our 24/7 helpline at 1-800-227-2345. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
SOURCE American Cancer Society/ PRNewswire