September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and according to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in men, with approximately 1 in 8 men developing it during their lifetime.
When caught early, prostate cancer is highly treatable, which is why regular prostate screenings are so important for men between the ages of 45 and 75.
Let’s take a look at five important factors men need to know about prostate health.
1. Early Detection Matters
While prostate cancer is often slow-growing, early detection is crucial for successful treatment. Regular screenings, such as digital rectal exams and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests, can help identify potential issues.
2. Know the Risk Factors
Family history, age, race and diet are among the risk factors for prostate cancer.
- Men with a family history of prostate cancer have two times higher the risk of developing the disease.
- African American men and Caribbean men of African ancestry have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer compared to other racial groups.
- Prostate cancer is more likely to develop in men 65 and older.
- Prostate cancer is 99% treatable if detected early enough.
3. Understand Your Treatment Options
The treatment for prostate cancer varies depending on the stage and aggressiveness of the disease. Options can include surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy and active surveillance.
At Upstate Urology at Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS), Drs. Bhat and Goldberg utilize robotic surgery, which can help lessen a patient’s recovery time.
“I went in for a regular prostate screening and my PSA levels were elevated,” said Philippe Andre, a patient at Upstate Urology at MVHS.
“As a physician assistant, I understand the importance of early detection and early treatment. I also knew that Dr. Bhat is one of few urologists in the area utilizing robotic surgery, which is less invasive and allows for a faster recovery.
After Dr. Bhat performed the prostatectomy using robotic surgery to remove the cancer, my PSA levels returned to normal, I was back to work in a month and resumed all my normal activities just six weeks after the surgery.”
4. Lifestyle Factors Can Make an Impact
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of prostate problems.
A balanced diet, regular exercise and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption are key factors that can help. In fact, evidence suggests individuals who maintain a healthy weight can be less at risk to develop cancer.
5. Look For Free Screening Events in Your Community
Many community health centers have screening events for prostate cancer in September in honor of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.
MVHS, in collaboration with Upstate Urology, is hosting a free prostate screening event throughout the month of September.
Patients like Philippe Andre encourage men to go and get screened.
“The takeaway is this,” Andre said, “men between the ages of 45 and 75 need to schedule regular prostate screenings and you need to understand your PSA levels.
I am living proof that early detection can prevent something worse.”
About MVHS
MVHS is dedicated to delivering premier healthcare to our region, keeping our patients as the focus of all we do. MVHS strives to be the leading patient-centered medical and healing environment, the employer of choice and the pride of Central New York. MVHS is the parent company of the Wynn Hospital as well as MVHS Rehabilitation and Nursing Center (RNC) and Visiting Nurse Association of Utica and Oneida County. MVHS serves a multi county area of central New York. The MVHS Medical Group has 15 primary care locations. The group also provides services in many specialty areas including Women’s and Children’s Health; General, Cardiothoracic, Vascular, Orthopedic and Neurological Surgery; Advanced Endoscopy, Wound Care, Bariatric, Cardiovascular, Comprehensive Stroke, Cancer, Immune Health, Behavioral Health, Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Pulmonary Critical Care and Urology.
In October 2023, MVHS opened the Wynn Hospital – a new, state-of-the art, 373 bed hospital in downtown Utica. The Wynn Hospital replaces two aging community hospitals, St. Luke’s and St. Elizabeth, and is capable of handling 85-90 percent of all healthcare needs in the community. The Wynn Hospital will strengthen and grow full service cardiac offerings, support the development of a Neurosciences Institute that will include a Neurovascular Center and Comprehensive Stroke Center, will be a world class diagnostic center, including Interventional Radiology and Advanced Endoscopy and provides a Level III Trauma Center plus the ability to serve 90,000 emergency visits per year.
