Yes, September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.
Who knew?
According to President Joe Biden this “silent killer” attacks more than a quarter of a million people a year. Thousands are taken down because in the early going, there may be no noticeable symptoms…And no pain.
I’m sad to report that Black men are disproportionately affected. But you already knew that.
Shout out to my Black Brothers! Don’t wait until it hurts to seek help. It may already be too late.
Although we are talking about prostate cancer today, let’s look through a broader lens.
Let’s talk about prevention. Most of us know someone who has been taken down by prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, and other deadly diseases. Also, many of us know Black men who do not regularly go to the doctor. This is totally unacceptable.
It’s ironic that it is fear that keeps them away. Actually, fear, common sense and family pressure should unite to urge, cajole, and threaten Black loved ones to go to the doctor. And don’t wait until you have a medical emergency to seek out a primary care physician.
You’ll recall during the pandemic many had difficulty receiving medical care, because they didn’t have a relationship with a doctor who had hospital admitting privileges. Folk realized that you couldn’t just show up because you were in pain.
There are many advantages to having a longtime relationship with a primary care doctor, including their knowledge of:
- Medical history
- Medications
- Diet & other personal habits
This knowledge is of tremendous value to you because your primary can offer a quicker diagnosis and referral to a specialist if necessary. Plus, in a medical emergency you may be able to jump ahead of others because of your doctor’s various institutional relationships.
What is the Prostate?
According to Medical News Today “The prostate is a small gland that sits directly below the bladder. It plays a role in hormone and semen production and helps manage urine flow. Early detection is critical as prostate cancer is always treatable and often curable.
The reality is that traditional detection methods are personally invasive. That’s why many men, not just Black, avoid getting checked out until it’s too late.
Black Men More at Risk
According to the Mayo Clinic, “For undetermined reasons, Black people have a greater risk of prostate cancer than do people of other races. In Black people, prostate cancer is also more likely to be aggressive or advanced.”
All the more reason to get tested.
All experts believe that more Black men will survive if they are more proactive in taking care of themselves. At least have your prostate checked annually once you hit 45. Less invasive procedures like PSA tests (blood test) have mostly replaced the more invasive “hands-on” tests.
Prostate Cancer Symptoms
Initially there may have been no noticeable symptoms. That’s why early and continuous testing is so important. If fear has gotten in the way of common sense, here is what to look for:
- Frequent or painful urination
- Painful ejaculation
- Pain in back, hips, or thighs
- Blood in semen or urine
- Weak urine stream
- Unintentional weight loss
Okay I’ll Get Tested – What Else?
As usual, changing your eating habits is a good first step. You’ve heard it before, but here we go again. Cut back on food that has a face. Eat more fat free food that comes from the earth. The Mayo Clinic suggests:
- Diet full of fruits and vegetables
- Healthy food over supplements
- Exercise several days a week.
- Maintain healthy weight.
- Cut or eliminate drinking and smoking.
Also, stay hydrated. Drink lots of water every day.
Finally, be open and honest with your doctor. He or she may recommend medications that could reduce your overall risk. Don’t hesitate to ask whether these medications could pose other problems, so you can make an informed decision.
What Now?
Black Men, going forward please make a commitment to yourself to do better. Also, do someone a favor. After you read this article, go have a talk with that friend or friends who have not visited a doctor since Diana Ross was singing with the Supremes.
Like many problems in our community, this can only be solved by us. Practice common sense with your personal health care decisions. Your family and your community need you.
Walter M. Perkins is a Chicago-based Author.
