President Barack Obama recently signed a proclamation declaring September as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and it's the perfect time to increase public awareness of prostate cancer, focus on prevention, remind men about the importance of early screening, and support patients, survivors and their families.
The National Cancer Institute estimates that there will be more than 217,000 new cases of prostate cancer diagnosed in the U. S. during 2010. Of American men diagnosed with prostate cancer, about 80 percent have cancer that is localized in the prostate.
Because of the high success rate in treating localized prostate cancer, there are more than 2 million prostate cancer survivors in the U.S., but many of these survivors must deal with treatment side effects such as E.D. and incontinence.
One in six American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. If a man has one close relative with prostate cancer, his risk doubles. With two close relatives, the risk increases five-fold. African Americans have a prostate cancer risk up to 60% higher than white males and they are twice as likely to die from the disease than white males.
Prostate cancer is most common in men age 55 or over, with an average age of 70 at the time of diagnosis. However, about one-third of newly diagnosed American prostate cancer patients are Baby Boomers in their mid forties to mid sixties. Many experts recommend that men begin screening tests at age 40.
One way to show your support for prostate cancer awareness and education is by wearing a Conquer Prostate Cancer wristband from Us TOO International, one of the leading prostate cancer support organizations.
If you or someone you love has been affected by prostate cancer, I invite you to browse the articles on this site, sign up for my next free teleseminar, schedule a free private prostate cancer coaching session and read my book, Conquer Prostate Cancer: How Medicine, Faith, Love and Sex Can Renew Your Life.
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