September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.
One in seven men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.
In most cases, prostate cancer symptoms are not apparent in the early stages of the disease. The symptoms of prostate cancer may be different for each man, and any one of these symptoms may be caused by other conditions. As a result, routine screenings in the form of digital rectal exams and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests are important.
The American Cancer Society recommends men be aware of the risk factors associated with prostate cancer and discuss screening options with their doctors. Men with average risk should assess their needs for screenings at age 50. Those with higher risk, including those with a family history should start at age 40 or 45.
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center offers free prostate cancer screenings to men 45 and older who have not been screened for prostate cancer in the past 12 months.
For more information on free cancer screenings, visit https://marybird.org/screenings-events/ or call 1-800-489-7800.
