June is Men’s Health Month, and it’s a good reminder for you or the men in your life to speak to a doctor about prostate health. It’s more important than you might realize: 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society.
Prostate cancer is the leading cancer diagnosis among men. The prostate is a gland found just below the bladder in males, and as men age, the likelihood of cancer developing within the gland increases. While prostate cancer can be fatal, it has a high survival rate, especially when detected early.
Deciding whether to pursue screening starts with understanding your personal risk. The best approach is to speak with your doctor about your risk factors and symptoms. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force suggests men ages 55 to 69 may benefit from screening for prostate cancer, even if they present no symptoms.
A common prostate cancer test, the prostate-specific antigen test, can be helpful in detecting cancer early. However, there are pros and cons for testing for prostate cancer. Your doctor can explain your options and help you make the right choice for you. While it may be uncomfortable to talk to your doctor about your prostate, it could save your life.
Let’s make it a good month.
Todd Hoffman, M.D., C.P.E., is chief medical officer of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma, a division of Health Care Service Corp., a Mutual Legal Reserve Company.
