Prostate Cancer Awareness Month: Key facts, symptoms, and prevention

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in Canadian men. Early detection and healthy lifestyle choices can improve outcomes. Here’s what you need to know about prostate cancer, including symptoms, risk factors, and ways to reduce your risk.

What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer begins in the prostate gland, which is part of the male reproductive system. It often grows slowly, but in some cases it can be more aggressive. Knowing the risks and talking to your doctor about screening is important.

Who is at risk for prostate cancer?

• Men over 50
• Men with a family history of prostate cancer
• Black men, who face a higher risk
• Men who are overweight or obese

What are the early symptoms of prostate cancer?

Many people have no symptoms at first. When symptoms do appear, they can include:

• Difficulty urinating or weak urine flow
• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Blood in urine or semen
• Pain in the back, hips, or pelvis

If you notice these symptoms, see your healthcare provider.

When should people get tested for prostate cancer?

Screening can include:

• A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test
• A digital rectal exam (DRE)

Not every person needs to be screened at the same age—or screened at all. Talk with your healthcare provider about whether prostate cancer screening is appropriate for you, based on your personal risk factors and overall health.

How can you reduce your risk of prostate cancer?

While you can’t change age or family history, lifestyle choices may help:

• Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Stay physically active
• Limit alcohol and avoid smoking
• Maintain a healthy weight

Why is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month important?

Awareness encourages men to:

• Know the risk factors
• Recognize early symptoms
• Talk to their doctor about screening
• Support friends and family affected by prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is common, but awareness, early detection when appropriate, and healthy habits can save lives. This September take time to access evidence-based information about prostate health and talk to those close to you about it.

McMaster Optimal Aging Blog Posts are written by faculty, staff, PhD students, and external collaborators, and are assessed for accuracy by members of the Portal scientific leadership team.

DISCLAIMER: These summaries are provided for informational purposes only. They are not a substitute for advice from your own health care professional. The summaries may be reproduced for not-for-profit educational purposes only. Any other uses must be approved by the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal (info@mcmasteroptimalaging.org)