ACCC Recognizes National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, a time to spotlight one of the most prevalent malignancies affecting men worldwide. In the United States alone, an estimated 299,010 new cases and 35,250 deaths occur each year due to prostate cancer.

Understanding this disease is crucial, especially as its incidence varies significantly across different geographical regions and ethnic groups. Notably, Black men are approximately 60% more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer than their white counterparts in the US. With improved healthcare leading to a decline in heart disease mortality, more men are living longer and reaching higher-risk ages, making awareness even more critical.

Understanding Prostate Cancer Risk Factors

Several key factors can increase the risk of developing prostate cancer:

• Age: More than two-thirds of diagnoses occur in men over 65.

• Family history and genetics: A family history of prostate cancer can double or triple your risk of developing the disease.

• Race or ethnicity: Black men are more likely than men of other races to develop prostate cancer.

• Nationality or location: The disease is less common in regions like Asia, Africa, and Central and South America.

• Hormone levels: Elevated levels of certain hormones, such as testosterone, have been linked to the development of prostate cancer.

• Additional risk factors, such as diet and obesity, are being researched for their effects.

Despite these known factors, there are no clear guidelines on when or how to screen men who are at high genetic risk for prostate cancer. 

Difficulties with Screening and Early Detection 

Prostate cancer often does not present symptoms in its early stages, highlighting the need for effective screening and diagnostic methods. Unfortunately, prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) testing can produce high false positive findings, leading to unnecessary invasive diagnostic procedures and overtreatment of clinically insignificant prostate cancer. In cases of abnormal PSMA results, digital rectal examination (DRE) and nontargeted transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy sampling may be performed, though the only reliable imaging tool is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). 

Early detection is key; when identified promptly, prostate cancer is highly treatable, with many men surviving the disease. While some forms of prostate cancer grow slowly and pose little threat, others can be aggressive. Fortunately, advancements in treatment now enable many men with a prostate cancer diagnosis to lead active, fulfilling lives.

Living with Prostate Cancer

Approximately 1 in 44 men will die of prostate cancer; however, the majority of those diagnosed do not succumb to the disease. Over 3.3 million men in the United States who have been diagnosed are alive today. The stage of prostate cancer—ranging from 1 to 4—indicates how far the cancer has progressed and helps guide treatment options. Accurate early detection allows healthcare providers to classify prostate cancer into specific risk groups, tailoring treatment accordingly.

Dependent on the risk group and patient preference, treatment options for prostate cancer typically include the following: active surveillance, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and surgical interventions such as radical prostatectomy. Prostate cancer treatment and management involves various healthcare providers, including urologists, radiation oncologists and medical oncologists. Effective communication and collaboration among these providers are essential to ensure optimal treatment and symptom management aligned with the patient’s preferences and cancer stage.

The Benefits of Germline and Somatic Testing

Hereditary prostate cancers account for 5-10% of all prostate cancers. Advancements in the genetics of prostate cancer have demonstrated that the presence of key germline mutations is associated with a higher risk of developing prostate cancer and tend to be more aggressive. To improve care delivery, the Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC) has launched an educational initiative to identify practice gaps related to germline and somatic testing for hereditary mutations in metastatic prostate cancer. ACCC used the reported challenges from community oncology practitioners, including staying informed on cutting-edge treatment modalities and transitions of care management, to create a program of supportive tools to improve outcomes. These resources incorporate foundational education, health literacy training, supportive tools for the multidisciplinary team, and germline mutations and treatment selection to help cancer programs optimize outcomes in prostate cancer. 

ACCC has partnered with cancer programs and practices to provide the cancer care team with education and support tools for improving communication between care team members and cancer care delivery for prostate cancer patients. As we observe National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, we commit to increasing awareness, encouraging early screenings, and supporting those affected by this disease.