National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month: What You Should Know

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is recognized nationally throughout September. Before the month ends, we want to shed some additional light on the disease, especially with our PFRPA members. The Prostate Cancer Foundation is focused on raising awareness and funding life-saving prostate cancer research. Prostate cancer awareness is particularly important among PFRPA’s network of retired NFL players because many of those in our population could be impacted or they may know someone that could be impacted.

In the United States alone, 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetimes, making it the most common non-skin cancer in men. Family history of prostate cancer, age and race are all significant risk factors to consider. Additionally, it is important to recognize that this commonly diagnosed disease disproportionately impacts Black men, who are 75% more likely to develop prostate cancer and are more than twice as likely to die from the disease.

Screening for prostate cancer can help detect the disease earlier, when the chance of cure is higher. It starts with a simple blood test called the PSA test. If you are Black or have a strong family history of cancer, begin joint decision-making about screening with your doctor at age 40. If you don’t have any risk factors, still plan to consult with your doctor about screening starting at age 45. Also, if you are diagnosed with the disease, a healthy diet and regular exercise have been shown to reduce the risk of prostate cancer progression.

If you would like to learn more about prostate cancer detection, diagnosis, treatment options or general facts about the disease, including questions you can ask your doctor, visit pcf.org to view educational resources from the Prostate Cancer Foundation.