For men, especially Black men, raising awareness about prostate cancer risk and family health history can significantly impact their lives and those of their loved ones. Discussing medical history with family members can reveal if one is at higher risk for prostate cancer, making screening a crucial step. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), such conversations could lead to more Father’s Day celebrations.

Understanding the Risk Factors

Prostate cancer often runs in families, suggesting an inherited or genetic factor. Men with a father or brother who had prostate cancer more than double their risk of developing the disease. The risk escalates if multiple relatives are affected, especially if they were diagnosed at a young age.

Black men in the U.S. have the highest incidence of prostate cancer and are more likely to develop the disease at a younger age than other men. They are over twice as likely to die from prostate cancer and are often diagnosed at more advanced stages. Increasing screening rates among Black men is crucial for early detection and saving lives.

The Importance of Early Detection

"Black men are disproportionately affected by prostate cancer, and more needs to be done to get the word out about screening and early detection," said Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, ACS board member and President of Howard University. “Bringing access and awareness to the Black community about medical treatments and opportunities to join clinical trials may make a big difference in curbing these statistics.”

Prostate cancer can often be detected early through prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests. Early detection is vital as it makes treatment more manageable. Despite the importance, self-reported PSA screening rates among Black men are slightly lower (31%) compared to White men (38%). The ACS recommends that men at high risk, including Black men, begin discussing prostate cancer screening with their healthcare providers at age 45. For screening locations, visit https://getscreened.cancer.org/.

The ACS's IMPACT Initiative

To combat rising prostate cancer rates, especially among Black men, the ACS has launched IMPACT (Improving Mortality from Prostate Cancer Together). "We are sounding the alarm and taking on this crucial challenge to improve outcomes for all men and reverse disparities for Black men through IMPACT," said Dr. Karen E. Knudsen, CEO of the American Cancer Society and ACS Cancer Action Network. "This bold move will save lives by funding new cancer research programs that connect the laboratory, the clinic, and the community."

Recognizing Symptoms

Early prostate cancer typically doesn’t cause symptoms. However, some men may experience:

- Difficulty urinating, slow or weak stream, or frequent urination, especially at night.

- Blood in the urine or semen.

Advanced prostate cancer symptoms may include:

- Erectile dysfunction.

- Bone pain (hips, spine, chest).

- Weakness or numbness in legs or feet.

- Loss of bladder or bowel control.

- Weight loss and fatigue.

While these symptoms can be caused by other conditions, it's essential to consult a healthcare provider if they occur.

Risk Factors

Key risk factors include:

Age: The risk of prostate cancer increases significantly after age 50.

Race and Ethnicity: Prostate cancer is more common in Black men and Caribbean men of African ancestry.

Family History: A history of prostate cancer in the family increases risk, possibly due to genetic factors.

Community Outreach and Support

Pfizer has supported the ACS in launching "Change the Odds: Uniting to Improve Cancer Outcomes™," an initiative aimed at communities disproportionately affected by breast and prostate cancer. The program promotes awareness of no- and low-cost screenings, access to support services, and information about clinical trials, utilizing culturally and linguistically diverse resources.

About the American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to ending cancer as we know it, advocating for research and patient support. For over 110 years, the ACS has worked to improve the lives of those affected by cancer. To learn more, visit https://www.cancer.org or call their 24/7 helpline at 1-800-227-2345. Connect with the ACS on Facebook, X, and Instagram.