After the unexpected death of Chadwick Boseman, interest was piqued regarding cancers in men. According to the American Cancer Society, some of the cancers that most often affect men are prostate, colorectal, lung and skin cancers; and scientists have discovered there is some association between prostate cancer and colorectal cancer. Since health continues to be a major concern in our country, this column will continue to bring awareness to health-related issues as often as possible. Therefore, during the month of September, this column will be dedicated to raising awareness of prostate cancer.
Let’s begin with three of the risk factors: age, race and family history.
Age
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) indicates the most common risk factor is age. The older the man is, the greater his chance of getting prostate cancer. Some men are at increased risk for prostate cancer. You are at increased risk for getting or dying from prostate cancer if you are African American or have a family history of prostate cancer.
African American Men…
• Are more likely to get prostate cancer than other men.
• Are more than twice as likely to die from prostate cancer than white men.
• Get prostate cancer at a younger age, tend to have more advanced disease when it is found, and tend to have a more severe type of prostate than other men.
Family History
Men who have a father, son, or brother who had prostate cancer are at an increased risk for getting prostate cancer. Men with 3 or more first-degree relatives (father, son, or brother), or 2 close relatives on the same side of the family who have had prostate cancer caused by genetic changes that are inherited. The CDC specifically noted that men who are not African American and do not have a family history of prostate cancer are at average risk.
Beloved, the American Cancer Society reports that prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men (after skin cancer), and the second leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind only lung cancer. While prostate cancer can be a serious disease, most men diagnosed with prostate cancer do not die from it. In fact, more than 3.1 million men in the U.S. who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point are still alive today. Join me in standing with our men and their families who fight alongside them in the battle against prostate cancer and rededicate ourselves to praying and supporting these men and their families to increase awareness and prevention of prostate cancer.
If you or someone you know have questions regarding prostate cancer, talk to your health care professional or call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or use their Live Chat feature for assistance for cancer- related information and referrals, patient-related programs or resources at https://www.cancer.org/about-us/online-help/contact-us.html
Next Week: Series Continuation
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General Disclaimer: The writer has used her best efforts in preparation of this information. No representations or warranties for its contents, either expressed or implied, are offered. Neither the publisher nor the writer shall be liable in any way for readers’ efforts to apply, rely or utilize the information or recommendations presented herein as they may not be suitable for you or necessarily appropriate for every situation to which they may refer. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your medical doctor or health care provider. You are encouraged to discuss with your doctor any questions or concerns you may have concerning prostate cancer, its risk factors, symptoms and treatment. If you would like to contact Rev. Lester, write to her c/o P.O. Box 121, Brookfield, WI. 53008.
After the unexpected death of Chadwick Boseman, interest was piqued regarding cancers in men. According to the American Cancer Society, some of the cancers that most often affect men are prostate, colorectal, lung and skin cancers; and scientists have discovered there is some association between prostate cancer and colorectal cancer. Since health continues to be a major concern in our country, this column will continue to bring awareness to health-related issues as often as possible. Therefore, during the month of September, this column will be dedicated to raising awareness of prostate cancer.
