(Baltimore, MD, Wednesday, September 15, 2021) – Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men.
Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, studies have shown many men are missing or delaying their routine health screenings, including preventative prostate cancer screenings – especially men living in low socioeconomic areas or who lack access to health care.
It is important to maintain prostate cancer screenings, which includes a simple blood test and exam, as one out of eight men will be told they have this disease during their lifetime.
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind only lung cancer.
In its early stages, prostate cancer often has no symptoms, which is why it is so important to catch this disease early, when it is more treatable. Some men are at a higher risk for being diagnosed with prostate cancer. This includes African American men and men with family history.
According to the American Urological Association (AUA), the discussion about screening can take place as early as age 55 for men who are at average risk of prostate cancer and age 40-45 for men who are at a higher risk of developing prostate cancer. This includes African American men and men who have a relative (father, brother, uncle, son) diagnosed with prostate cancer.
The Urology Care Foundation, the official Foundation of the AUA, is drawing on the month of September to increase awareness and encourage men to know their risk for developing prostate cancer.
The Urology Care Foundation is the world’s leading nonprofit urological health foundation, and the official foundation of the American Urological Association. Partnering with physicians, researchers, healthcare professionals, patients, caregivers, families and the public, the Foundation supports and improves urologic clinical care by funding research, developing patient education and pursuing philanthropic support. To learn more about the Urology Care Foundation and its programs visit: www.urologyhealth.org.