Prostate Cancer Awareness Month 

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Event: Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
When: September (every year in the U.S. and many other countries) (ZERO Prostate Cancer)
Purpose: To increase awareness of prostate cancer, improve early detection, support those affected, reduce stigma, advocate for better treatments and equity in care.

 

1. Key Facts & Background

• Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers for men. In the U.S., roughly 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed during their lifetime. (Novartis)

• It tends to affect older men: risk increases with age. Additional risk factors include race (Black men have higher risk), family history, potentially obesity and lifestyle. (Novartis)

• There’s an ongoing issue: while many prostate cancers are relatively slow-growing and may not cause immediate harm, advanced or metastatic cases are more difficult to treat and carry greater risk. Early detection is therefore very important. (ACS)

 

2. Screening and Early Detection

• PSA test (Prostate-Specific Antigen): A blood test that can detect elevated levels of PSA, possibly indicating prostate cancer, but also can be elevated for other non-cancer reasons. (ACS)

• Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): Another method, sometimes used in combination with PSA. (ACS)

• Recommended ages for talking with a doctor about screening vary depending on risk:

  • Average risk: usually start conversations around age ~50. (American Cancer Society)

  • Higher risk (family history, race, etc.): may need to begin discussions earlier (~45 or even ~40) depending on circumstances. (American Cancer Society)

• Benefit vs harm discussion: Screening has benefits (catching cancer earlier) but also potential downsides (overdiagnosis, treatment side effects). Informed decision-making with a healthcare provider is critical. (CDC)

 

3. Resources: Educational Materials, Support & Multimedia

Here are some of the best Internet-based resources to use now, or in planning awareness/education efforts:

Resource

What it Offers

How It Can Be Used

ZERO Prostate Cancer ‐ Educational Materials

Free PDFs: guides for newly diagnosed patients; risk & screening information; survivorship; Spanish versions, etc. (ZERO Prostate Cancer)

Distribute in clinics, senior centers; include in mailings; use in health classes.

Urology Care Foundation

Information on types of prostate cancer, screening, etc. (urologyhealth.org)

Good base for educational handouts or PowerPoint slides.

American Cancer Society (ACS) Videos

Videos covering risk factors, screening, treatment, patient stories. (American Cancer Society)

Show in public events, health fairs, classroom or online.

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center Patient Video Series

Videos on: exercise during treatment, early detection, health disparities, support & caregiving. (Fred Hutch)

Use to humanize the experience; good for support groups or workshops.

ZERO’s Webinars & Video Library

Webinars on recent research, side effects, advocacy, etc. (ZERO Prostate Cancer)

Invite people to watch live or host viewing parties; use Q&A’s.

 

4. Suggested Activities & Ways to Celebrate / Raise Awareness

To make the month more impactful, here are actionable ideas for schools, community health organizations, workplaces, or public health initiatives.

• Health Fairs / Free Screening Events: Partner with clinics or hospitals to offer free or low-cost PSA screening or educational checkups.

• Public Talks / Webinars: Invite Urologists, oncologists, survivors to speak about early detection, treatment options, lifestyle, risk, etc.

• Media & Social Media Campaigns:
    - Use blue ribbon symbolism, storytelling (patient stories)
    - Hashtags like #ProstateCancerAwareness, #CheckYourRisk, etc.

• Printed Materials & Infographics: Distribute guides, one-pagers, “Questions to Ask Your Doctor” checklists.

• Advocacy & Policy Engagement: Encourage supporters to contact legislators to increase funding for prostate cancer research, health equity initiatives.

• Support Groups / Peer Mentor Programs: For those diagnosed, having personal connection helps. ZERO’s MENtor program is an example. (ZERO Prostate Cancer)

• Workplace/School Initiatives: Employees/students can wear blue, hold awareness breaks, distribute materials, host a short educational session.

 

5. Challenges & Issues to Address

• Disparities in outcomes and access: Black men and men of certain ethnicities or socioeconomic status are at higher risk and often have worse outcomes due to later diagnosis, access issues. (Novartis)

• Balancing benefits vs harms of screening: Overdiagnosis, overtreatment, and side effects (sexual, urinary) are real. Awareness should help people make informed decisions, not just push screening rigidly.

• Stigma, lack of conversation: Prostate health involves sensitive topics; many men avoid screening or discussions until symptoms emerge. Education must address stigma and normalize these conversations.

• Resources & support after diagnosis: Physical, mental, emotional effects. Survivorship care and quality of life are as important as treating the cancer itself.

 

6. Metrics & Evaluation

To know if awareness efforts are working, it helps to define metrics:

• Number of people attending awareness events / workshops

• Number of screenings done during the month

• Social media reach (shares / likes / engagements on awareness posts)

• Downloads of educational materials

• Surveys pre-/post-campaign to assess knowledge gain, changes in attitudes

• Feedback from patients and caregivers

 

7. Key Takeaways & Recommendations

• Start early, tailor screening to risk — not everyone needs the same screening schedule.

• Educate broadly, including patients, families, communities at elevated risk.

• Support patients beyond medical treatment, including side effect management, emotional support, survivorship.

• Advocate for equity — reduce barriers to care, increase access, ensure information reaches underserved populations.

• Sustain awareness beyond September — continuity matters for impact.

 

8. Useful Links & Videos

Here are direct links you or others can use:

• ZERO Prostate Cancer Awareness Month page: join run/walks, advocacy campaigns, free screening info. (ZERO Prostate Cancer)

• American Cancer Society Prostate Cancer Videos (risk, symptoms, treatments) (American Cancer Society)

• Fred Hutch Patient Video Series (exercise, early detection, disparities) (Fred Hutch)

• ZERO Webinars & Video Library: including recent and upcoming webinars. (ZERO Prostate Cancer)

• “Talk to Nathan” video & virtual conversation, CDC / National Cancer Institute — explaining screening benefits/harms. (CDC)

 

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