Although 1 in 8 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, Black men are 76% more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer than White men, and 2.2 times more likely to die from it compared to White men.
Get the facts about prostate cancer:
- About 6 in 10 prostate cancers are diagnosed in men aged 65 or older. Average age of diagnosis is 67, and it’s rare in men younger than 40.
- Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind only lung cancer. About 1 in 44 men will die of prostate cancer.
- Ask your doctor when you should begin getting screened. But if your risk is higher (which it is for Black men), you should begin at age 40.
- Screenings include a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test. It’s simple, and it can make a difference in survival. When caught early, the survival rate is nearly 99%.
Follow these cancer-prevention tips, regardless of race:
- Pay attention to what you eat. Aim to eat primarily fruits, vegetables, and other foods from plant sources — such as whole grains and beans. Limit your intake of processed meats, refined sugars, and fat from animals.
- Eliminate bad habits. Don’t use tobacco, and if you drink alcohol, do so only in moderation.
- Exercise often. If you exercise regularly, you have a slightly lower risk of developing prostate cancer. Your chances improve with vigorous workouts. Plus, you’ll strengthen your bones if you exercise often, which is important if you have prostate cancer and are being treated with hormone therapy.
- Does it run in your family? If your father or a brother are diagnosed with prostate cancer, you’re twice as likely to be diagnosed with it, regardless of race. You should be tested regularly beginning at age 40.
- Don’t shy away from screenings. Ask your urologist when you should begin regular screenings for prostate cancer, and then be sure to follow your doctor’s advice.
If you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, know that there are many treatment options available and your urology team at AUI will work closely with you to determine the best treatment for you.
Remember, early diagnosis will improve your treatment’s success. Learn more about prostate cancer, prevention, and PSA screening options. Click to request an appointment to schedule your annual PSA screening.
