No one is immune to feeling an occasional case of nerves, especially when it comes to our health and well-being. And prostate issues are no exception. Studies indicate that men tend to stay silent if experiencing symptoms, whether due to a lack of awareness or perceived stigma. While ignoring or overlooking prostate concerns may provide temporary relief from stress, delaying care can result in more serious health issues. There is no better time to encourage our loved ones to speak with their providers about when to start screening for the disease than during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), one in eight men will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, making it the most common cancer in men, excluding non-melanoma skin cancer. Fortunately, over the past three decades, the prostate cancer mortality rate has dropped by half—an achievement ACS attributes to earlier detection through prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests and advances in treatment.
So, what is the takeaway here? It’s critical for men to talk to their health care providers about getting screened for prostate cancer. Patients of average risk should have these conversations by age 50. Individuals who are at higher risk, including Black men or those with at least one first-degree relative with early-age prostate cancer, should consider whether to start PSA tests at age 45. Men at highest risk (e.g., those with more than one first-degree relative who meets this criterion) should discuss with their doctors whether to begin screening at age 40 or even sooner.
Not all men diagnosed with prostate cancer will require treatment. In some cases, a urologist may recommend “active surveillance,” a form of regular monitoring. If the urologist determines medical intervention is needed, the approach will depend on the stage and grade (i.e., the aggressiveness) of the cancer. Today, we are fortunate to have access to an ever-expanding arsenal of leading-edge options, such as minimally invasive robotic surgeries and Cyberknife, which allow patients a swifter, smoother return to everyday life.
It can feel uncomfortable or even nerve-racking to talk to our doctors about potential health concerns, particularly around uncomfortable topics like prostate problems. But by bringing awareness to prostate cancer and encouraging regular screenings, we can help save lives from the disease. Let us treat September as a PSA—in this case, a public service announcement—about the lifesaving value of early detection. To determine whether you or a loved one may be eligible for a PSA test, visit screening.CARTI.com.
Shari Ronell, MSN, AGACNP-BC, is an advanced practice registered nurse with CARTI Urology, who sees patients at the CARTI Cancer Centers in Little Rock, Heber Springs and North Little Rock.
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