September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month – an important opportunity to increase community awareness about the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men, behind only lung cancer.

"More than 200,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year alone," said Layron Long, MD, a urologist at Samaritan Urology. "Prostate cancer affects one in every six men and early detection is the single greatest key to fighting this disease. It’s important to discuss the risk factors with your primary care physician.”

Early detection and treatment are the most important factors in addressing prostate cancer. Testing for prostate cancer consists of a simple blood test and brief physical examination, which takes less than ten minutes, but can be life saving. Research has shown that men with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop prostate cancer. The most significant risk factor is age along with a family history of the disease. Men with a father or brother who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer have more than twice the risk of being diagnosed. Race is also a risk factor, with rates of prostate cancer in the United States 60 percent higher among African American men.

If you haven’t had a prostate screening, call your doctor to discuss your risk factors and screening options available. If you don’t have a primary care doctor, call our Physician Referral Line at 1-800-863-5241.