SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, an important time for men—particularly Black men—to learn their risks and discuss early detection with a healthcare provider.
Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death among American men, behind lung cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 333,830 new cases and 36,320 deaths will occur nationwide in 2026.
Black men are more likely to develop prostate cancer, receive a diagnosis at a younger age, and have more advanced disease when it is discovered. They are also more than twice as likely as other men to die from it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
There is no guaranteed way to prevent prostate cancer. Age, race, family history, and inherited genetic changes cannot be controlled. However, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, avoiding tobacco and eating a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains and fish can support overall health. Evidence has not established that any vitamin, herb or dietary supplement prevents prostate cancer.
Early detection remains critical. The American Cancer Society recommends that Black men and men with a father or brother diagnosed before age 65 begin discussing screening at age 45. Men with more than one close relative diagnosed at an early age should begin that conversation at 40. Average-risk men should discuss screening at 50.
The prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, blood test can identify changes requiring further evaluation. Screening can also produce false-positive results or find slow-growing cancers that may never become dangerous, making informed decision-making essential.
Men should not wait for symptoms. Prostate cancer may develop silently. Difficulty urinating, blood in the urine or semen, persistent back or hip pain, and unexplained weight loss require medical attention.