Karmanos Cancer Institute Recognizes Four Cancer Awareness Months During September

September is a time to elevate awareness around blood, gynecologic, prostate, and thyroid cancers

DETROIT, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, along with cancer centers and other organizations across the nation, recognizes and promotes awareness of three cancer types during September:

• Blood Cancer
• Gynecologic Cancer
• Prostate Cancer
• Thyroid Cancer

Blood Cancer Awareness Month
Blood cancers include leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. They occur in blood-forming cells, the bone marrow and the lymphatic system, which is a part of the immune system. According to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS), someone is diagnosed with a blood cancer every three minutes in the U.S. In 2025, the American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that just over 89,000 people will be diagnosed with lymphoma, 66,890 with leukemia, and another 36,110 people will be diagnosed with myeloma.

There are many kinds of blood cancers, and symptoms and treatments vary. At Karmanos, blood cancers are treated by the Hematology Oncology and Multiple Myeloma and Amyloidosis Multidisciplinary Teams (MDTs), which focus solely on these types of cancer. For more information about blood cancer, visit karmanos.org.

Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month
Gynecologic cancers affect the female reproductive system. There are many forms of gynecologic cancers, including cervical, endometrial (uterine), ovarian, vaginal, and vulvar. Each has similar, but also different signs, symptoms, risk factors, and occurrence rates, with ovarian cancer being the most common and vaginal cancer being the rarest among the five. According to the ACS, 13,300 cases of invasive cervical cancer, 20,890 cases of ovarian cancer, 69,120 cases of uterine cancer, 7,480 cases of vulvar cancer, and 8,070 cases of vaginal and other female genital cancers are expected to be diagnosed in 2025.

There are many specific forms of cancer within each type, making it imperative to be treated by a cancer specialist who is entirely focused on gynecologic cancers. At Karmanos, patients diagnosed with gynecologic cancer are treated by specialists on the Gynecologic Oncology MDT. For more information about gynecologic cancer, visit karmanos.org.

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
In the male anatomy, the prostate is a walnut-sized organ behind the bladder. Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer that affects the male reproductive system. ACS estimates that in 2025, roughly 313,780 new cases of prostate cancer will occur. African American men (45 and older), males 50 and older, those with a high-fat diet, and those with a family history of prostate cancer are at an increased risk. Early-stage prostate cancer usually does not have symptoms. Men with symptoms usually experience trouble with urination.

At Karmanos, prostate cancer is treated by specialists on the Genitourinary Oncology MDT. For more information about prostate cancer, visit karmanos.org/prostatefacts. 

Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month
Located in the front of the neck, the thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland responsible for creating and releasing hormones, primarily thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). There are four main types of thyroid cancer: papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic. Symptoms include bone pain, cough, difficulty breathing or swallowing, fatigue, painless nodules in the front of the neck, voice changes, and weight loss. In 2025, ACS estimates that approximately 44,020 new cases of thyroid cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S.

Thyroid cancer tends to be more prevalent in women than in men. According to the National Cancer Institute's estimate of new cancer cases in 2025, thyroid cancer ranks 13th among all cancer diagnoses and sixth among women. At Karmanos, patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer are referred to the Head and Neck Oncology Multidisciplinary Team, working with expert physicians specializing in thyroid cancer.

Specialized Care at Karmanos
If you have been diagnosed with or believe you may have blood, gynecologic, prostate, or thyroid cancer, it is important to be seen by a team of specialists who focus solely on your type of cancer. At Karmanos Cancer Institute, multidisciplinary teams include oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, surgeons, pharmacists, specialized nurse practitioners, dietitians, social workers, and genetic counselors. These teams share their collective expertise to offer care options for each patient, giving you the power to optimize your cancer treatment and receive outstanding care that suits your lifestyle and provides your best chance in the fight against cancer.

Additionally, Karmanos is home to one of the country's most robust clinical trials programs, giving patients throughout the Karmanos Cancer Network access to new cancer treatments. Available clinical trials offer patients interventions on the leading edge of development and are the primary method researchers use to create new, life-saving cancer treatments. Patients have access to hundreds of promising new cancer treatments, many of which are only available at Karmanos. Through clinical trials, Karmanos is creating new knowledge about how therapies fight cancer and is a national leader in testing these new therapies.

To learn more about the life-saving innovations and treatments available at Karmanos Cancer Institute, or to schedule an appointment, visit karmanos.org or call 1-800-KARMANOS (800-527-6266).

About the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute
Karmanos Cancer Institute is a leader in transformative cancer care, research and education through courage, commitment and compassion. The Karmanos vision is a world free of cancer. As part of McLaren Health Care, Karmanos is the largest provider of cancer care and research in Michigan. For more than 75 years, the administrative and research headquarters, along with the premier specialty cancer hospital, have been located in downtown Detroit. With multiple network sites, Karmanos delivers world-renowned care and access to clinical trials throughout Michigan and northern Ohio. The National Cancer Institute recognizes Karmanos as one of the best cancer centers in the nation with a comprehensive cancer center designation. Its academic partnership with the Wayne State University School of Medicine provides the framework for cancer research and education – defining new standards of care and improving survivorship. For more information, call 1-800-KARMANOS (800-527-6266) or visit karmanos.org. Follow Karmanos on Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

SOURCE Karmanos Cancer Institute