Throughout this series, One Man’s Voice… in the Noise, I’ve tried to speak plainly, personally, and purposefully about the issues that many men face. In this next installment of my subset of “Movember” posts, I turn our attention to a threat that affects millions of men: prostate cancer.
During this subset of posts, I’ve highlighted the efforts of the Movember Foundation, which raises awareness and funding for men’s health issues such as Mental Health and Suicide Awareness (my last post), this one on Prostate Cancer, and the next one about Testicular Cancer. November is important since Men’s Health Month Matters to Everyone and since “we all have skin in this game.”
Surprising Facts About Prostate Cancer
Did you know that 1 in 8 men (15%) in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime? This is the nearly same rate as the number of women (16%) diagnosed with breast cancer each year.
Surprised? Me too.
As I researched the issue further, I was also surprised that there is a significant discrepancy between the public funding levels for breast cancer and prostate cancer.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), breast cancer research receives about 2.5 times more money than prostate cancer research. From 2013–2022, breast cancer received the most federal funding at $8.36 billion, whereas prostate received less than half at just $3.61 billion.
This is also surprising, despite the fact that prostate cancer results in a significant number of diagnoses each year and a nearly similar number of deaths.
The American Cancer Society estimates 316,950 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, while 313,780 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer. Lung and bronchus cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosis with an estimated 226,650 new cases. Breast cancer will result in 43,650 deaths com[ared to 35,770 deaths from prostate cancer. The good news is all these rates are dropping due to better awareness and funding for research (though not equally).
Know Your Risks, Take Action
According to the Movember website, prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men over age 45—and yet it often hides silently, progressing slowly, with few or no symptoms in its early stages. That’s what makes knowledge and vigilance so vital. Early detection can make all the difference.
There are a few clear risk factors you can’t change—and some you can at least monitor:
- Age: Simply put, your risk rises as you get older. Doctors often advise men 50 and up to begin conversations about prostate health—though guidelines vary by country.
- Race / Ancestry: Black men and men of African descent face higher risks. Because of this, guidelines in some places suggest beginning screening conversations as early as age 40 for those populations.
- Family history: If close relatives—say a father, brother, or even someone on your mother’s side who had breast or ovarian cancer—have experienced prostate issues, your risk is elevated.
These factors are signposts, not verdicts. But armed with them, you can better steer your conversations with your doctor.
Silent Symptoms — Or None at All
One of the trickiest aspects of prostate cancer is that early stages often cause no noticeable symptoms. That means you can feel perfectly fine and still harbor significant risk. Some urinary problems—like urinary leakage or changes in flow—might raise flags, but those could also point to many other issues.
That’s why silence isn’t reassurance.
It’s also why you need regular doctor visits that include prostate exams and blood tests. NOTE: Both PSA (blood test) and DRE (digital rectal exam).are screening tests used to detect prostate cancer. Each has different advantages and disadvantages so consult your doctor. My doctor prefers (and so do I!) the PSA over DRE.
When to Talk to a Doctor
Don’t wait for alarm bells. If you have risk factors—or simply want to be proactive—begin the conversation with your physician early. Even if your doctor finds nothing concerning today, establishing a baseline and regular check-ins give you power over the future. And if something does show up, early action can shift the outcome dramatically.
Support Matters
A diagnosis of prostate cancer doesn’t have to be a journey walked in isolation. Movember supports a resource called True North, which offers guidance on everything from treatment options, sex and intimacy, urinary incontinence, exercise, diet, stress, and emotional support. It ensures men and their loved ones have a guide through what can often feel like a confusing, overwhelming path.
I also reiterate the importance of having close male friends – or what I call GodBuddies, challenge you to get your annual exam.
Prostate cancer is real, it’s common, and it demands your attention. The good news is knowledge is power. By knowing your risks, talking to your doctor early, and tapping into support systems, you can shift the narrative from fear and avoidance to proactive steps to maintain your good health.
That’s my voice in the noise for this week. Feel free to comment or share this post with others. Then look for another installment for this subset of Movember posts next week.
