Taking charge of your health means being informed and proactive, especially when it comes to cancer prevention and early detection. This September, as we observe both Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and Blood Cancer Awareness Month, we want to empower you with knowledge. Understanding the risks, recognizing the signs, and committing to regular screenings can make a life-changing difference.

At Charleston Oncology, we believe that awareness is the first step toward wellness. We have seen firsthand how early detection of prostate and blood cancers significantly improves treatment outcomes and saves lives. Let’s explore these diseases together and discuss the simple, powerful steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones.

 

Understanding Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among American men, second only to skin cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. While this statistic is significant, there is good news. When this cancer is found in its early stages, the five-year survival rate is nearly 100%.

 

Who Is at Risk?

Several factors can increase a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer. Being aware of these can help you and your doctor make informed decisions about your health and potential screenings.

• Age: The risk of prostate cancer increases significantly after age About 6 in 10 cases are diagnosed in men aged 65 or older.
• Family History: Your risk more than doubles if you have a father or brother with prostate cancer. The risk is even higher for men with several affected relatives, particularly if they were young at their diagnosis.
• Race: For reasons that are not yet fully understood, African American men are more likely to develop prostate cancer than men of other races. They are also more than twice as likely to die from the disease.
• Genetics: Inherited gene changes, such as in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, are linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer in some families.

 

The Power of Early Screening

Most early-stage prostate cancers do not cause any symptoms. This is precisely why screening is so vital. It allows for detection before the cancer has a chance to grow and spread, providing the best opportunity for successful treatment.

The primary screening method is a simple blood test called the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. This test measures the level of a substance made by the prostate. While elevated levels can indicate cancer, they can also be caused by other non-cancerous conditions. Your doctor may also perform a digital rectal exam (DRE) to feel for any bumps or hard areas on the prostate.

Discussions about when to start screening should begin around age 50 for men at average risk. For those at high risk, including African American men and those with a close relative diagnosed before age 65, these conversations should start earlier, typically at age 45 or even 40.

 

Shining a Light on Blood Cancers

Blood cancers, also known as hematologic cancers, affect the production and function of your blood cells. They start in the bone marrow, where your blood is made. The three main types of blood cancers are leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. These cancers account for about 10% of all diagnosed cancers in the United States.

• Leukemia: This cancer starts in the blood and bone It happens when the body creates too many abnormal white blood cells, which interferes with the bone marrow’s ability to make red blood cells and platelets.
• Lymphoma: This cancer affects the lymphatic system, a key part of your body’s germ-fighting network. The two main types are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

• Myeloma: This is a cancer of the plasma cells, a type of white blood cell that produces antibodies to help fight infections. Myeloma cells prevent the normal production of antibodies, leaving your body’s immune system weakened.

 

Knowing the Symptoms and Risks

Unlike prostate cancer, there are no routine screening tests for most blood cancers. This makes it crucial to be aware of the potential signs and symptoms. While these can be vague and overlap with other less serious conditions, persistent symptoms should always be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Common symptoms may include:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Fever, chills, or night sweats
• Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
• Frequent or severe infections
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Bone pain or tenderness

The exact causes of most blood cancers are unknown. However, risk factors can include age, a family history of blood cancer, and exposure to certain chemicals or radiation.

 

Take Action for Your Health Today

Knowledge is power, but action is what saves lives. This month, we encourage you to move from awareness to proactive health management. Your health is your greatest asset, and taking steps to protect it is a sign of strength and care for yourself and your family.

Here’s what you can do:

1. Talk to Your Doctor: Schedule your annual physical and have an open conversation about your personal and family health history. Discuss your specific risk factors for prostate and blood cancers.
2. Schedule Recommended Screenings: If you are in the recommended age group for prostate cancer screening, don’t Ask your doctor if a PSA test is right for you .
3. Pay Attention to Your Body: Do not ignore persistent or unusual symptoms. Early diagnosis often starts with you noticing that something isn’t Trust your instincts and seek medical advice.
4. Encourage Others: Share this information with the people in your Encouraging a family member or friend to get screened or see a doctor could be the most important conversation you have.

At Charleston Oncology, we are your partners in health. From prevention and screening to diagnosis and state-of-the-art treatment, our compassionate team is here to provide expert care and unwavering support. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or learn more about how we can help you on your health journey. Your proactive steps are the foundation of a long and healthy life.