June is Men’s Health Month, so let’s talk about the most common cancer diagnosed among men in North Carolina — prostate cancer. It’s an important topic because prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths for men in the state, second only to lung cancer, as noted by the North Carolina Division of Health and Human Services.
Early detection significantly improves survival rates, with almost all men diagnosed early surviving 5 years or more, compared to only 34% of those diagnosed after the cancer has spread. Between 2017 and 2021, the rate for prostate cancer in North Carolina was 13% higher than the national average (National Cancer Institute).
The American Cancer Society recommends testing beginning at age 50. Men at higher risk, including Black men and those with a family history of prostate cancer, should check with their provider about starting to screen between ages 40 and 45. Again, prostate cancer is among the most successfully treated cancers, especially when it is detected and treated in the early stages.
