5 ways to get involved during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month!

This month is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, which occurs every September in North America. Established in 2015 by President Obama, this set aside period gives health experts, health advocates, and people concerned with or affected by prostate health and prostate cancer a chance to learn and share important information about the condition. This month also provides an opportunity to lend support and comfort to those afflicted by prostate cancer. In 2022, the American Cancer Society estimates there will be about 268,490 new cases and about 34,500 deaths from prostate cancer. It is the second most common cancer among men.

Building awareness for prostate cancer and promotion of regular screenings can drive research, encourage people to not only get tested but to be proactive about their health and potentially save lives.

Here are some ways you can get involved this September to drive awareness for prostate cancer.

1. Post Hashtags on Social Media

Social media is one of the best ways to bring attention to important issues. These platforms help us connect with people and communities around the world in a matter of seconds.

By adding a prostate cancer hashtag to your social media posts, you can potentially help millions of people engage with your post and see crucial information about the disease.

Here are some popular hashtags to drive awareness for prostate cancer:
#prostatecancer
#menshealth
#urology
#IPCF
#giveprostatecancerthefinger
#fightingprostatecancer

2. Wellness challenge — Launch into a Healthier Lifestyle

Studies suggest that cancer is preventable with shifts in lifestyle factors, such as exercising and eating a balanced diet. We encourage you to show support for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month with a wellness challenge. Evaluate your lifestyle and see where you can make some positive shifts. Start incorporating changes to your daily life. Create realistic expectations of what change is possible, and work everyday to build healthier habits. You don’t have to make all the changes at once, and you’ll have a better success rate if you are realistic in your planning. Visit the resources center for tips and strategies on food choices and recipes, exercise guidance and meditation, and much more.

3. Start a Fundraiser or Make a Donation

Starting your own fundraiser for IPCF not only brings awareness to the community, it helps to raise money to be able to fund cancer research, which can potentially save lives. There are races and marathons nationwide during September that raise money for prostate cancer. To get involved, consider signing up for a local 5K or 10K specifically geared towards prostate cancer awareness or cancer research. You can even create or wear t-shirts for the race that advocate for prostate cancer awareness. Facebook and other social media platforms have also made it easier to create fundraisers and raise money for charity. Be sure to choose an organization that funds prostate cancer research during the set up process.

People who have the financial means to donate can consider giving money during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Donations are essential to funding research and clinical trials, which are used to develop new treatments for prostate cancer and improve outlook or quality of life. You can donate to a social media fundraiser, a cancer charity, the International Prostate Cancer Foundation, or to a hospital.

4. Make a plan and Get Tested

Prostate cancer can often be diagnosed early by testing for Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) levels in a man’s blood. Another way to diagnose prostate cancer early is with the digital rectal exam (DRE) in which the doctor puts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel the prostate gland.

The International Prostate Cancer Foundation recommends that men have a chance to make an informed decision with their health care provider about whether to be screened for prostate cancer. The decision should be made after getting all the facts about the uncertainties, risks, and potential benefits of prostate cancer screening. For more information on screening visit the Education Center.

5. Spread Awareness in Your Workplace or Community Center

The International Prostate Cancer Foundation has downloadable infographics, wellness strategies, posters and patient guides available so everyone can share prostate cancer education and awareness. Below are a few of the many posters and flyers you can find in the download center. Be sure to check back regularly, IPCF is always adding new information and resources.

There are over 3 million men living with prostate cancer in the U.S. Prostate cancer is 99% treatable if detected early… let’s give every man in our lives a fighting chance. Let’s do our part to spread awareness. Visit the awareness center for more ideas.