WESTERN NEW YORK — As September arrives, health officials across the region are urging men to take a proactive step toward protecting their long-term health: talking with a doctor about prostate cancer screening. This Lake Erie Times report by William Strasmore outlines why that conversation matters and who may need to have it sooner.
Prostate cancer remains one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among men in the United States, and the American Cancer Society continues to emphasize that early detection can dramatically improve outcomes. While many men live full, active lives following a diagnosis, prognosis depends heavily on how early the condition is identified.
The most widely used screening tool is the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, often considered alongside a digital rectal exam. Neither test is a one-size-fits-all solution, which is why clinicians stress the importance of a personalized conversation with a primary care physician or urologist to weigh the benefits and limitations of screening based on individual health profiles.
Risk is not evenly distributed. Men over 50 are generally encouraged to have the conversation with a provider, while African American men and those with a family history of prostate cancer may be advised to begin earlier, often around age 45. Lifestyle factors, including diet and physical activity, also play a role in overall prostate health.
One of the most concerning aspects of the disease is that early-stage prostate cancer frequently presents no symptoms at all. By the time changes in urinary flow, blood in the urine or semen, pain in the hips or lower back, or erectile difficulties become noticeable, the condition may be more advanced. That silent progression is precisely what makes routine screening so critical.
Hospitals and health systems across Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and surrounding communities are using the month as a reminder to bring the conversation back to the forefront, encouraging men to make the appointment they may have been putting off.
When to Talk to Your Doctor
- You are 50 or older and have never discussed prostate screening with a provider
- You have a father, brother, or close male relative who was diagnosed with prostate cancer
- You are African American and around age 45
- You have noticed changes in urinary flow, frequency, or discomfort
- You want to understand the PSA test and what a typical result means for you
Health experts remind men that asking the question is not an admission of illness — it is a commitment to staying ahead of it. A single conversation with a trusted provider can lay the groundwork for years of confidence in one’s health. This September, Western New York is encouraging its men to make that call.
Note: The content provided by Lake Erie Times is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional legal or financial advice. Readers should consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance.
