2018 Marks Renewed Momentum for Prostate Cancer Screenings and Awareness
Washington — Men’s Health Network (MHN) is continuing its push to raise prostate health awareness for men of all ages during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month this September.
Prostate cancer remains a leading cancer in American men; about 2.8 million men are living with the disease with approximately 30,000 men dying each year. The American Cancer Society reports that about 164,690 men are expected be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018 with 29,430 deaths expected.
This year has seen an increase of momentum in prostate cancer awareness. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recently commissioned a $26.5 million study to research the high frequency of aggressive prostate cancer in African-American men. Earlier this year, the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) revised a 2012 decision that recommended against the use of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing for the early detection of prostate cancer; the 2018 guidelines now recommend that men ages 55-69 talk to their doctor about screening options that may be right for them.
“We are pleased that 2018 has seen renewed vigor in prostate cancer research and emphasis on men engaging with their healthcare providers about prostate health and screening options for prostate cancer,” said Ana Fadich, CHES, vice president of MHN. “During Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and throughout the rest of the rest of the year, MHN will continue to advocate for men in all at-risk age groups, including those over the age of 69, to be screened for prostate cancer.”
Prostate cancer remains a health concern for men over 69. Men aged between 70 –74, specifically, lead all age groups in new cases of prostate cancer, according to the most recent data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Recent guidelines by the USPSTF recommended against men over the age 69 from being screened for the disease.
MHN will continue awareness efforts during September with health screenings, partnerships, and media engagement. Advisors for MHN appeared on the nationally syndicated Armstrong Williams Show in late August to kick-off the annual awareness period. Other social media activities will be announced as the month progresses. MHN will also continue advocating for the health and wellness of men through its work with the Congressional Men’s Health Caucus.
MHN believes that early detection through screenings like the PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen test) and DRE (digital rectal exam) is the key to successful treatment, which is responsible for saving an untold number of men by encouraging them to have a discussion with their healthcare provider about prostate cancer and early detection.
“Lives can be saved when there is more communication and awareness on health matters,” said Vivek Sinha, MD, an MHN advisor specializing in Family Medicine. “Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is an excellent opportunity to open dialogue on preventative screenings for the disease—a more cognizant patient is able to make informed decisions about their health.”
For more on Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, MHN is directing inquiries to – http://www.prostatecancerawarenessmonth.com/– that has free downloadable fact sheets, brochures, and posters, links to national advocacy organizations, and a social media toolkit.
To learn more about prostate cancer and prostate health, visit the Prostate Health Guide at http://www.prostatehealthguide.com/and the Men’s Health Resource Center at http://www.MensHealthResourceCenter.com
Men’s Health Network (MHN) is an international non-profit organization whose mission is to reach men, boys, and their families where they live, work, play, and pray with health awareness messages and tools, screening programs, educational materials, advocacy opportunities, and patient navigation. Learn more about MHN at www.MensHealthNetwork.org and follow them on Twitter @MensHlthNetwork and Facebook at www.facebook.com/menshealthnetwork . For more information on MHN’s ongoing Dialogue on Men’s Health series, visit www.dialogueonmenshealth.com
# # #
