Prostate cancer: someone you know is at risk

More than 3.1 million men living in the United States today have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Even if you are not at risk for prostate cancer, someone in your life might be. September is recognized as a time to promote prostate cancer awareness on a national level—take a moment to understand the risks and screening guidelines for this prevalent disease. 

“Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer amongst the U.S. male population and is also the second leading cause of cancer deaths for men,” said Larry Jaudon, director of the Environment, Safety and Health Department (ESH) at Sanford Underground Research Facility (Sanford Lab). “Please encourage the men in your life to seek out a doctor’s advice on preventative measures and early screening.”

To join the national awareness movement this month, the ESH team is sponsoring a campaign to encourage employees to learn more and take action. During the Wellness Fair on Friday, Sept. 20, participants can receive further information about prostate cancer and screening recommendations. Staff are encouraged to Wear Blue on Friday for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

Want an overview on the risks, symptoms and screening recommendations? Here’s what the  American Cancer Society has to say:

Who is at risk for prostate cancer?

• As a man gets older, his chance of getting prostate cancer increases. About 6 of every 10 prostate cancers are found in men 65 and older. It can be diagnosed in younger men but is rare before age 40.
• African American men have higher rates of prostate cancer than white men.
• Men are more likely to get prostate cancer if they have close family members (father, brother, or son) who have had prostate cancer, especially if they developed the disease before age 65. 

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

Early prostate cancer usually causes no symptoms. Men who have prostate cancer can be symptom-free for years. But as it grows, prostate cancer can cause some symptoms. Men should see a health care provider if they have to urinate often, especially at night; have trouble starting or stopping urine flow; have a weak or slow urine flow; see blood in the urine or semen; have trouble getting an erection; or feel frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or ribs.

Conditions other than prostate cancer can have these symptoms. But the only way to know what might be causing them is to see a health care provider and get some testing done.

What do you need to know about the American Cancer Society prostate screening guidelines?

The American Cancer Society recommends that men talk with a health care provider so they can make an informed decision about being tested for prostate cancer. The decision about whether to be screened should be made after a man has gotten information about the uncertainties, risks and potential benefits of prostate cancer testing. The discussion about screening should happen:

• At age 50 for men who are at average risk of prostate cancer and are expected to live at least 10 more years.
• At 45, men at higher risk, such as African American men or men with a father, brother, or son who had prostate cancer before they were 65.
• At 40, men with more than one close family member with prostate cancer at a young age (before they were 65)

Make sure the men in your life have the latest information about finding prostate cancer and other types of cancer early. Being informed can help save lives. Visit cancer.org/healthy/or call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 to learn the steps you can take to help reduce your risk or find cancer early.

The Sanford Underground Research Facility promotes health and safety in the workplace, as well as healthy living and wellness for all employees. If you have questions about health and wellness, please contact a member of the Environmental, Safety, Health, and Quality Assurance Department or our onsite occupational health nurse, Laura Baatz at lbaatz@sanfordlab.org.