As we’re in the second half of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, we find new tools and resources to help those affected by the condition – both those diagnosed with prostate cancer as well as loved ones of those diagnosed – which can answer a lot of basic questions about the condition.
This month, positive coverage has been popping up in the media about prostate cancer prevention, screenings and treatment options.
According to a recent op-ed piece written by James Morning, a prostate cancer survivor and Advisor to Men’s Health Network, we learn that every year, about 30,000 men die of prostate cancer, making it the second deadliest cancer in men. Also, we learn that if caught early, prostate cancer can be treated, usually successfully. But because many men experience no symptoms and don’t get screened, it is often identified only by an abnormal result on a basic prostate cancer screening.
*To read the whole op-ed piece, visit the Star Exponent website: “September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.”*
In an effort to raise awareness for prostate cancer and to encourage men to visit their doctors and be screened, many organizations (including Genomic Health and Men’s Health Network) are joining together to create tools for patients and families of those with prostate cancer.
Such a tool is MyProstateCancerCoach.org, an online resource launched this month by Genomic Health and Men’s Health Network, which has accurate inf
ormation on prostate cancer and how it affects men and their loved ones. Tools on the site include: Prostate Cancer 101, providing information and videos about treatment options, side effects, understanding a diagnosis and PSA (prostate-specific antigen) testing, as well as a glossary of terms to better understand the disease, a list of questions men should ask their doctor about prostate cancer and considerations for family, friends and loved ones about the impact the disease may have.
Additionally, visitors to the site who have received a prostate cancer diagnosis can answer a series of questions about their test results to receive a personalized risk information guide with detailed information about treatment options and considerations based on their own cancer’s risk level.
MyProstateCancerCoach.org also has information on new genomic tools and tests for prostate cancer that are innovative, more effective and help men better understand their prostate cancer diagnosis. If you’re interested in reading more about new screening tools, check out this article: “If You Love Your Prostate Then Take This Test.”
What You Can Do
One in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and one in 36 men will die from it. Don’t be another statistic. Be proactive – remember, prostate cancer is almost 100 percent treatable if detected early.
Men at higher risk, those who have prostate cancer in their family and African Americans, should have the discussion with their doctor starting at age 40 or 45.
There is no wrong time to start being screened for prostate cancer. Talk with your doctor and visit the websites mentioned above to get more information on this disease and understand how it could affect you and your family.
