What Men Need to Know About Prostate Cancer

Sep 21, 2022

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Nearly 268,500 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year, according to the American Cancer Society. Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men; and while some types of prostate cancer grow slowly and may need minimal or even no treatment, other types are aggressive and can spread quickly.

September, designated as Prostate Cancer Awareness month, provides an opportune time to remind men about the importance of annual wellness visits and screenings, even amidst the pandemic. Here is some information that as a physician I want every man to know about prostate cancer:

• Having a father or brother with prostate cancer more than doubles your risk of developing the disease.
• Prostate cancer is rare in men younger than age 40, but the chance of having prostate cancer rises rapidly after you turn 50.
• Prostate cancer occurs more often in African-American men than in other ethnicities. African-American men are also more than twice as likely to die of prostate cancer than Caucasian men.
• To lower your risk of prostate and other cancers, focus on eating a diet that includes lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, lean meat, and non-meat protein sources such as nuts and beans.
• Prostate cancer often can be found before symptoms start by testing the amount of prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, in your blood. That's why regular visits and screenings are so important.

Finally, while a prostate cancer diagnosis may be alarming, there is hope and help available. With early detection, new technology and treatments, and the availability of close-to-home, leading-edge care like what is offered here at William Newton Radiation Oncology, men are living longer and healthier lives even after their diagnosis.

Editorial Notes: This article was submitted for the "Weekend Check-Up," a regular health column in the Cowley CourierTraveler penned by employees and friends of William Newton Hospital. David Bryant, MD, is a radiation oncologist with over eleven years of experience practicing in Winfield at William Newton Radiation Oncology.