September is the time for healthcare providers to provide and discuss prostate cancer and prevention health education and information for males not diagnosed with the illness, and to provide continued support for the men at risk of developing prostate cancer. In addition, to provide healthcare to men who have identified the symptoms, and/or are already diagnosed with the disease.

Prostate cancer can be detected early, through screening, before it has a chance to cause noticeable problems. However, not everyone chooses to get prostate cancer screening, and screening may not catch all cancers.

Ambulatory Internal Medicine Director at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Dr. Ernest P. Garnier, stated that more is needed to raise awareness on prostate cancer screening. In further comments, Dr. Garnier noted, “…men, by contrast, often do not see a doctor until a medical issue arises later in life. Many men even take pride in saying, “I don’t take medication and haven’t seen a doctor in years,” he commented, interpreting this as a sign of good health. “We need to reach these men more effectively and emphasize the importance of prevention.”

In continuing, Dr. Garnier stated that specific barriers discourage men from screening. Some perceive the digital rectal exam as uncomfortable or stigmatizing, and confusion has grown because of changes in screening guidelines. “Together, these factors contribute to lower screening rates, making it all the more critical to increase education and promote proactive health care for men.”

The Ambulatory Internal Medicine Director stated that prostate cancer risk is shaped by both biology and environment. “While only men develop the disease, African American men face the highest risk—they are more likely to be diagnosed younger, develop the aggressive disease, and experience higher mortality,” Dr. Garnier emphasized.

The medical director noted that part of the disease is due to “genetics and family history, but social determinants of health are equally important.”  He stated that limited access to preventive care, delayed screenings, and fewer resources for healthy nutrition and physical activity all contribute to worse outcomes. “Lifestyle factors such as obesity, diet, and exercise also play a role,” Dr. Garnier added.

The Caribbean Life Newspaper also spoke to retired professor, Dr. Gerald White-Davis, who knows the severity of prostate cancer and believes strongly that enough is not done to disseminate preventive care, “Absolutely, not enough work and exposure, we need forums and more open discussions on men’s healthcare, which includes prostates.”

Dr. White-Davis highlighted the need for men to realize the importance of prostate screening as an essential step before the PSA is done. He emphasized that Caribbean men must understand that it is a medical necessity. “There is a lack of knowledge on the issue, and speaking as a Caribbean man, there are some of us who are hesitant to have the prostate check.”  He added, “…there are some of us have it and don’t want to talk about it.”

Having open discussions with survivors of prostate cancer is also helpful.
Black men are 17 times more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and are two times more likely to die from prostate cancer than white men. Approximately one in four will die from the disease, one report stated.

Early prostate cancer symptoms are problems urinating, indicating a slow or weak urinary stream. An example is the need to urinate more often, especially at night.

Another example is blood in the urine or semen. An advanced prostate that has spread to other areas and may cause different symptoms, including trouble getting an erection (erectile dysfunction or ED), pain in the hips, back (spine), chest (ribs), or other areas, from cancer that has spread to the bones.

Weaknesses or numbness in the legs or feet, or even loss of bladder or bowel control from cancer in the spine pressing on the spinal cord, are all factors caused by the spread of prostate cancer.