By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, a time to highlight one of the most common cancers in men. For Black men, this message carries added urgency. Studies show that Black men are more likely to develop prostate cancer, are often diagnosed at a younger age, and are more than twice as likely to die from the disease compared to men of other races.
Prevention and Early Detection
Doctors stress that while these statistics are alarming, early detection and lifestyle choices can save lives. Prostate cancer often develops silently, with no symptoms in its earliest stages. That is why health experts recommend that Black men begin screenings as early as age 40 to 45, especially if there is a family history. Regular Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood tests and digital rectal exams can catch the disease early, when it is most treatable.
Prevention also matters. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish while limiting red meat and high-fat dairy supports prostate health. Maintaining a healthy weight and staying physically active further reduce risks.
New Hope in Treatments
For those diagnosed, treatment options have expanded in recent years. The FDA recently approved Pluvicto®, a targeted radioligand therapy that delivers radiation directly to prostate cancer cells, offering new hope for advanced cases. Another option, Akeega® (a combination of niraparib and abiraterone), is designed for men with genetic mutations such as BRCA, attacking cancer cells by blocking testosterone and interfering with DNA repair. Xtandi® has also been expanded for men at high risk, even before the cancer spreads.
These advances mean that men have more options than ever, especially when combined with early detection and healthy living.
The Takeaway
For Black men, this September is more than just Prostate Cancer Awareness Month—it’s a call to action. Get screened, eat well, exercise, and know your family history. And if diagnosed, know that new treatments are changing outcomes every day.