September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, a time to encourage men to learn about prostate cancer, understand their personal risk, and have conversations with their healthcare providers.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men in the United States, with about 1 in 8 men expected to be diagnosed during their lifetime. Risk increases with age, and men with a family history of prostate cancer and African American men may have a higher risk.
Know Your Risks and Take Action
Some risk factors for prostate cancer cannot be changed, such as age, family history, and certain inherited genetics. Knowing your family health history and sharing it with your healthcare provider can help you better understand your individual risk and take proactive steps to monitor your situation.
Screening is probably one of the most important parts of the conversation. Speak with your healthcare provider about your age, family history, risk factors, and the potential benefits and risks of screening to determine what may be appropriate for you.
What Can You Do to Support Your Prostate Health?
Unfortunately, there is no guaranteed way to prevent prostate cancer, but healthy lifestyle choices may help lower the risk of developing more advanced prostate cancer. Consider these steps:
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- Stay physically active: Regular physical activity can support overall health and help you maintain a healthy weight.
- Eat a balanced diet: Choose a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other nutritious foods. Limit highly processed foods, sugary drinks, and processed meats.
- Know your family history: Tell your healthcare provider if your father, brother, or other close relatives have had prostate cancer.
- Talk to your healthcare provider. Valley Community Healthcare (VCH) primary care providers are here for you. Ask about your personal risk and whether prostate cancer screening is appropriate for you.
“Taking care of your health starts with knowing your risk and having open conversations with your healthcare provider. Don’t wait until you have symptoms to talk about your prostate health.
You should not feel embarrassed or shy away from having this important conversation. Your VCH care team is here to ensure that you are healthy and living your life to the fullest. At VCH, we care about your well-being because we know a Healthy Community is a Community Together!”
— Dr. David Luna, Valley Community Healthcare Chief Medical Officer
Take the Next Step Now
Make an appointment to speak with your primary care physician or clinician now by calling (818) 763-8836 or by logging onto your patient portal.
Not a patient member of VCH? No problem. We can help! Give our Enrollment Specialists a call at: (818) 301-6399.
Download the American Cancer Society’s informational PDF on prostate cancer.