September is your month to look ahead – and stay ahead – of prostate cancer.
The Prostate Cancer Foundation has made the number 30 its figurehead this month with an “Eat It to Beat It” campaign. Participants are urged to eat 30 healthy foods in 30 days to reduce their risk of developing prostate cancer. Prostate is one of 30 percent of cancers preventable through healthy lifestyle practices.
Are You One in Nine?
Prostate cancer affects one in nine men during their lifetimes, mainly during middle age. The risk for Black men, however, increases drastically – by 75 percent – due to lifestyle factors commonly known as social determinants of health.
Fortunately, 99 percent of those afflicted with prostate cancer can be effectively treated if diagnosed early.
Silent and Sneaky
Prostate cancer rarely shows itself in early stages. The average age for diagnosis is 69. Most men don’t experience symptoms until the disease is advanced, or it has spread to other parts of the body. These late signs include:
- Frequent need to urinate, especially at night and sometimes urgently
- Weak, dribbling or interrupted flow of urine
- Painful or burning urination
- Difficulty in having an erection
- Blood in the urine or semen
These symptoms may be signs of other prostate conditions. Because of this and prostate cancer’s sneaky origins, it’s important to speak with your doctor about screening.
When to Start Screening
The diagnosis, treatments and treatment recommendations for prostate cancer have evolved, and are now determined by each man’s individual health, family history, lifestyle, race and dietary habits.
In general, it’s recommended that men have ongoing conversations with their doctors about prostate cancer around age 40. The common tests for prostate cancer – prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing and digital rectal exam – are covered for benefits-eligible faculty and staff, as well as benefits-eligible dependents under U-M health plans.
Watch Your Genes – and Your Jeans
Prostate cancer has a strong genetic link. If a family member has had prostate cancer, your risk doubles. The more family members affected increases your risk even more, as does having family members diagnosed before age 65.
Lifestyle improvements can have a significant impact on your risk. Join the Prostate Cancer Foundation’s many events this month to increase your awareness and healthy practices.
Empower Yourself with MHealthy
MHealthy can assist with the “Eat It to Beat It” challenge through its on-site Farmers Markets, virtual cooking classes, and library of cooking videos and recipe archive.
Since regular physical activity also reduces your risk, make September a true month of health by enrolling in MHealthy’s Active U Autumn program. Enrollment begins Tuesday, Sept. 7. Or take advantage of numerous free, live-streamed fitness classes offered on U-M’s Workplace (soon-to-be Slack) channel.
For More Information
The U-M Rogel Cancer Center is a good resource for information about prostate cancer risk, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship.
