Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is observed every year in September by health experts, health advocates, and the public to raise awareness about prostate health and prostate cancer. This cancer mainly affects men over the age of 50. Every year more than 174,600 men are diagnosed and about 31,600 succumb to the disease.
History of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Prostate cancer is the second most common form of cancer in American men after skin cancer. The first treatment of prostate cancer, which involved the surgical removal of a man’s prostate gland (called a prostatectomy) was performed at John Hopkins Hospital by Hugh Hampton Young in 1904. As the years passed, treatment evolved and in 1912, doctors began directly implanting radium into the prostate to treat cancer. By 1947, doctors started using different surgical techniques to remove the prostate gland, and in 1962, megavoltage radiation was used to treat prostate cancer. This treatment was only for patients where cancer had not spread beyond the prostate gland.
In 1966, the Gleason grading system was developed to help doctors and patients determine if their prostate cancer is low risk, intermediate-risk, or high risk. In 1997, the standard treatment for prostate cancer became the combination of radiation and hormone therapy.
In 2000, the first robot-assisted surgery was performed to remove the prostate gland. The robot-assisted operation is more precise and allows surgeons to observe the prostate in 3D. In 2010, the first therapeutic cancer vaccine was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which greatly improved the survival rate for men with prostate cancer.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month timeline
The first treatment of prostate cancer by surgically removing a man’s prostate gland, called a prostatectomy, is performed at John Hopkins Hospital by Hugh Hampton Young.
Megavoltage radiation is used to treat prostate cancer in patients where cancer has not yet spread beyond the prostate gland.
The standard treatment for prostate cancer becomes a combination of radiation and hormone therapy.
The first therapeutic cancer vaccine is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and this increases the survival rate for men suffering from prostate cancer.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month FAQs
Which color ribbon is worn for prostate cancer?
The light blue ribbon is used to represent prostate cancer.
When is Lung Cancer Awareness Month?
Lung Cancer Awareness Month is observed in November.
When is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in the U.K.?
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in the U.K. is in March.
How to Observe Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Read up
Read up more about prostate cancer and learn about its symptoms and possible causes. It is important to know what to look for.
Raise awareness
Raise awareness about the condition. You can do so by telling people about the disease and possible steps people should take to protect themselves.
Volunteer or donate
Volunteer in any way you can to help people with prostate cancer. You can also donate to a foundation that carries out life-saving prostate cancer research to help the cause.
5 Important Facts About Prostate Cancer
It affects one in eight men
It affects one in eight men in the U.S.
Race matters
It is much more common in Black men and affects one in six.
Risk increases with age
The risk of prostate cancer increases with age — six out of 10 cases are found in men over 65.
A family history increases the risk
If you have a family history of prostate cancer, this increases the risk of you having the disease.
A common type of cancer for men
The risk of a man developing prostate cancer is higher than developing colon, kidney, melanoma, and stomach cancer combined.
Why Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is Important
It raises awareness
This month raises awareness of this deadly condition. It educates men about the risks involved and urges them to seek proper treatment in time.
It honors a noble cause
Raising awareness and educating people can help to look after their health and live a long, meaningful life. This is truly a noble cause.
It saves lives
This month is for a cause that works hard to save lives. Several seminars, workshops, and donation drives occur throughout the month to help people with prostate cancer.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | September 1 | Sunday |
| 2025 | September 1 | Monday |
| 2026 | September 1 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | September 1 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | September 1 | Friday |
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