LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – One in every nine men in Arkansas will face a diagnosis of prostate cancer in their lives and few if any will experience a single symptom prior to diagnosis. That’s why the Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation and prostate cancer survivors joined Governor Asa Hutchinson to proclaim September as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in Arkansas.
“Prostate cancer is nearly 100% survivable if detected early, but screening is complicated this year by the fact that too many people have already been putting off regular health exams and checkups because of the pandemic, possibly allowing a treatable condition to get out of hand,” said Chris Collier, executive director of the Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation. “It’s imperative for all men to be educated about their risks for developing prostate cancer and to know what their options are regarding diagnosis and treatment.”
The American Cancer Society estimates that 1,860 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in Arkansas this year and that 280 men will die from the disease. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer affecting men – and among men, it is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Throughout September, the Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation will work with clinics across the state to organize FREE prostate cancer screenings and encourage all men between the ages of 45 and 75 to participate. Screening can be as simple as a blood test.
The Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation will join Gov. Hutchinson on September 1 for a virtual kick off event proclaiming September as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in Arkansas via Facebook Live here.
“Increased awareness, timely and appropriate detection, and improved treatment practices are essential in controlling prostate cancer, a disease that can affect the lives of entire families,” said Gov. Hutchinson in his proclamation on Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. “I urge all men in Arkansas to become aware of risks for prostate cancer and talk to their healthcare providers about being screened for this life-altering disease.”
Having a father or brother with prostate cancer more than doubles a man’s risk of developing the disease and the risk of prostate cancer rises rapidly after age 50. African American men are also more likely to develop prostate cancer and 2.6-times more likely to die from the disease in Arkansas. No Arkansan should face prostate cancer alone. The Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation encourages everyone across the state to speak with their loved ones about screening and letting them know that it can be as simple as getting blood drawn. For more information about prostate cancer and a full list of screening dates click here.
