Prostate Cancer Awareness Month: Take Charge of Your Health

September marks Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, a crucial time for individuals with prostates to adopt a proactive approach to their health. The Urology Care Foundation (UCF), associated with the American Urological Association (AUA), emphasizes the importance of early detection and regular screenings. According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the most prevalent cancer among American men after skin cancer, with an estimated **313,780 new cases** expected in **2025**.

The statistics reveal a sobering reality: approximately **1 in 35** individuals with prostates will die from prostate cancer. In **2025**, the projected death toll stands at **35,770**, making prostate cancer the second leading cause of cancer death in men after lung cancer.

Encouragement for Early Detection

Survivor **Gabe Canales**, who was diagnosed at a young age, stresses the importance of open discussions about prostate health. “Men need to encourage other men to get checked. Sharing my story has opened eyes and pushed men to take action,” he states. Canales, who has been on active surveillance for 15 years, highlights how early detection can significantly alter a man’s health trajectory. He advocates for normalizing conversations about prostate cancer and emphasizes the need for regular check-ups.

Dr. **Adam Weiner**, a urologic oncologist at **Cedars Sinai Medical Center** in Los Angeles, underscores that when detected early, prostate cancer has a **5-year relative survival rate of 97.9%**. Unfortunately, advanced-stage diagnoses have been increasing by **5% annually** since **2014**.

Understanding Risk Factors and Symptoms

Awareness of risk factors is vital. Nearly **1 in 8** individuals with prostates will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. This risk escalates to **1 in 6** for African American men and **1 in 5** for those with a family history of the disease. Other contributing factors include age, with most cases occurring in individuals over **65**, exposure to harmful chemicals, weight, and occupations such as farming, firefighting, and military service.

Prostate cancer often shows no symptoms in its early stages. However, when symptoms do arise, they may include urinary difficulties and pelvic pain. Those experiencing symptoms such as dull pain in the lower pelvic region, frequent urination, trouble passing urine, or blood in the urine should consult their healthcare provider.

Screening Recommendations

The American Urological Association recommends that individuals with prostates aged **45 to 69** with average risk discuss screening options with their healthcare provider. For those at higher risk, including African American men and individuals with a family history of prostate cancer, screening should be considered as early as **40 to 54**.

For comprehensive information, individuals can access resources through the Urology Care Foundation’s Prostate Cancer Info Center. The foundation offers valuable content, including fact sheets, podcasts, and videos aimed at educating the public about prostate health.

A Call to Action

As **2025** unfolds, the Urology Care Foundation urges everyone to embrace a **PROstate of Mind**. Being proactive about prostate health can be life-saving. With early detection and appropriate medical care, individuals can not only extend their lives but also enhance their quality of life.

The American Urological Association, founded in **1902**, has nearly **24,000** members worldwide and plays a pivotal role in promoting urological health. The Urology Care Foundation, as the official foundation of the AUA, is dedicated to improving urological care globally through funding research, education, and humanitarian efforts.

For additional information about prostate cancer and available resources, visit the Urology Care Foundation’s website at www.urologyhealth.org. Proactive health measures can lead to better outcomes, emphasizing the critical need for awareness and action during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.