Monday, August 31, 2009

September Is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

It’s that time of year again: the kids go back to school, the days get shorter, Prostate Cancer Awareness Month…

Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner announced he is running again for Congress, and oh, by the way, he’s being treated for prostate cancer. Sensenbrenner can continue his regular schedule because he had his PSA checked at a physical and his cancer was discovered in its early stages.

This month marks four years since my dad received the news that he had prostate cancer. His, too, was discovered early, and after treatment, he quickly returned to his curmudgeonly old self. 

Early prostate cancer doesn’t often have noticeable symptoms. The only way to find it is to get a PSA test and a quick digital exam during your regular annual physical.

If you have a prostate, please have it checked. And if you love someone with a prostate, please encourage him to get an annual physical. 

For more information about prostate cancer, please take a look at the CDC’s website.

(7) Comments
Posted by Wendy at 2029 hrs
Culture

  1. My dad passed away from Prostrate Cancer so I’d like you to know that just because your PSA numbers come back normal does not always mean you are fine. 

    If you have other symptoms, but your PSA is normal please press your doctor for more information.

    Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on September 01, 2009 at 0809 hrs


  2. Wendy

    My best to your father and to Flyin’ Jim.

    The PSA is quickly being outpaced by newer, more accurate tests for cancer of the prostate.  I join you in encouraging all men, especially those of a certain age, to consult a physician and to get an annual physical.

    It’s not unmanly to stay alive long enough to comb gray hair and play with your grandchildren.

    Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on September 01, 2009 at 1207 hrs


  3. I’m so sorry for your loss, Kelly. 

    Grumps, I’m glad there are newer and more accurate tests. I hope men go in and get checked. New tests don’t do anything if we can’t get men in to take them, right?

    Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on September 01, 2009 at 1258 hrs


  4. Absolutely.

    Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on September 01, 2009 at 1634 hrs


  5. Nice touch of humor, Wendy. “If you have a prostate…”

    Laughter is (some of) the best medicine, but only with early detection.

    Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on September 03, 2009 at 1354 hrs


  6. What worries me about these exams isn’t the affront to one’s dignity, but the fact that the treatment for prostate cancer is usually worse than the disease.

    Posted by scott on September 03, 2009 at 1752 hrs


  7. That’s another misconception that Prostate Cancer Awareness Month seeks to dispel.

    Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on September 03, 2009 at 1826 hrs


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