September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
WASHINGTON, Sept. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in males with one in seven men diagnosed in their lifetime, and an even higher incident rate among certain populations including African American men.
In the USA, there are almost 2.8 million men living with prostate cancer, about 180,000 men are diagnosed each year, and over 26,000 die from it. Early detection is the key to successful treatment. Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and the organizations and associations that support it, are responsible for saving an untold number of men's lives by encouraging them to have a discussion with their healthcare provider about prostate cancer and early detection.
"Prostate cancer is a silent killer for men," said Ana Fadich, MPH, CHES, vice president of Men's Health Network. "A PSA test as part of your annual exam might just save your life because it creates a benchmark against which you and your healthcare provider can measure future tests. In many cases, genomic testing after early diagnosis can provide more details into your specific case and may lessen the anxiety of diagnosis."
In preparation for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Men's Health Network (MHN) encourages men to know their risk as early detection is the best predictor of survival. MHN urges men at high risk for prostate cancer to talk with their health care provider about getting a yearly screening starting at age 40, with other men beginning at age 50. MHN also emphasizes the role that women can play by encouraging their husbands or partners to speak to their health care provider about being screened for prostate cancer, including a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and a digital rectal exam (DRE).
"I learned the hard way after being diagnosed with prostate cancer at age 56," said prostate cancer survivor Guido Adelfio. "Seven doctors told me to 'get my affairs in order' because it was too late. I see now I could have saved the heartache and pain by getting a PSA test and DRE done before my 50s. Early diagnosis opens up multiple treatment options for patients."
In recognition of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Men's Health Network has also developed the website - www.ProstateCancerAwarenessMonth.com - that has links to national advocacy organizations, downloadable fact sheets, brochures, and posters, and a social media toolkit. The site also features proclamations from the President, governors, and others.
To learn more about prostate cancer, visit the Prostate Health Guide at and the Men's Health Resource Center at www.MensHealthResourceCenter.com
Men's Health Network (MHN) is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to reach men, boys, and their families where they live, work, play, and pray with health awareness messages and tools, screening programs, educational materials, advocacy opportunities, and patient navigation. MHN is the promoter of Men's Health Month and Men's Health Week in June. Learn more about MHN at www.menshealthnetwork.org and follow us on Twitter @MensHlthNetwork and Facebook at www.facebook.com/menshealthnetwork.
SOURCE Men's Health Network
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