September is officially Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. This guide is designed for Black men seeking information on screening ages, resources, post-cancer care and the like.
Furthermore, this guide is also useful for loved ones, caretakers, doctors, family, friends and those who are yearning to have more insights about the silent disease and its impact with Black men.
Factoids: Black Men and Prostate Cancer
1 out of 5 Black men will be diagnosed with this silent disease during their lifetime. This disease affects Black men at a higher rate than other groups.
If you're a Black man, annual screenings should begin at age 40. If there is a family history with the disease, annual screenings should begin at age 35. R. Frank Jones Urological Society
In a study consisting of 500 Black men, over 50 percent never discussed a Prostate Cancer screening with their doctor. Morehouse Medical School
The silent disease is curable if caught early. Screenings are essential.
For Black men over the age of 70 having difficulty finding a urologist willing to provide a paid screening, consider changing urologists. It's your health and advocate on your behalf. In fact, take advantage of a free screening if one is available.
Screening ages differ for other groups. Most media sources and researchers aren't accurately accounting for Black men when they note this community should begin screenings at ages 45 or 50. Heed the recommendations in this guide. The ages noted in this guide are based on evidence and supporting research of Black men who acquired the disease well before the age of 45.
Prostate Cancer Educational/Financial Resource Tools
Podcast:
To learn more about the disease and how to fight it, access an engaging, unfiltered educational podcast with the R. Frank Jones Urological Society. This is the only Black urological association in the United States.
To retrieve the podcast, Google: Auto Trends with JeffCars.com and podcast.
"A Conversation for Black Men: A Candid Prostate Cancer Talk"
Books- Print/Audio
If you're in need of a reference book, pick up a copy of Dr. Patrick Walsh's book: Surviving Prostate Cancer. Walsh is a pioneer in treating the disease.
Every Day I Fight is cancer fighter and the late ESPN anchor Stuart Scott's personal memoir detailing his journey battling cancer. Its raw and candid. This book will inspire those in the battle, as well as give caretakers, doctors, loved ones, family and friends a better understanding of the cancer journey through the lens of a Black man, who fought and battled the disease before the age of 50.
Financial Resources
If you need financial resources to fight the disease, contact ZEROcancer.org.
If you're seeking financial discounts with fertility or freezing sperm prior to starting cancer treatment, contact Livestrong Foundation.
After Care Assistance
Check with your urologist or continue to look for one who can serve your needs.
Boston Scientific is a great resource tool for those in need of advanced incontinence care. Find a qualified urologist who can help improve one's quality of life.
Cancer Support Groups
If you need a support group, contact during and/or post cancer:
ZEROcancer.org. - This group is specifically designed for prostate cancer survivors.
About Brothers Looking After One Another:
No comments:
Post a Comment