Published on September 8, 2014
Updated on February 13, 2018
Many people are shy when it comes to discussing prostate cancer. Viewed as a personal, private disease, prostate cancer is too often discussed in hushed tones. But hushed tones can’t educate. September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, a month devoted to educating men (and women) about prostate cancer statistics, symptoms, prevention and early detection. Let’s make it a “September Resolution” to get talking.
This year, an estimated 233,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and an estimated 29,480 will die from the disease. Prostate cancer is a serious disease, but fortunately, with early detection and treatment, it does not have to be fatal. The relative five-year survival rate is almost 100%, and more than 2.5 million men in the United States are prostate cancer survivors.
Women: prostate cancer may not directly affect you, but you can play a role in preventing it by educating the men in your life about ways to reduce their risk. Men: here’s what you need to know to reduce your risk for prostate cancer.
5 facts about prostate cancer:
Having a doctor that you feel comfortable with is key to preventing cancer of any kind. Encourage the men over 50 in your life to develop a trusting relationship with a medical professional, and seek the information that could save their lives.
Let’s make a pact to promote prostate cancer prevention and early detection this month (and every month!) for the men in our lives. They’re worth it.
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