September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. We want to emphasize that awareness month is not only about statistics — it’s about helping men understand their risks, get screened appropriately, and know that we have more effective treatment options than ever before.
At The Oncology Institute, we provide cancer screenings and high-quality, innovative care. Together, we can walk you through treatment for prostate cancer and help get you on the road to recovery.
What Is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer occurs in the prostate, a small gland that helps make semen in the male reproductive system. Early-stage prostate cancer signs and symptoms can include blood in the urine or semen, frequent urination, and trouble starting urination. Back pain, erectile dysfunction, extreme fatigue, and unexplained weight loss are seen in more advanced cases, according to the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR).
Prostate Cancer Risk Factors
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in the U.S., and risk increases with age, family history, and certain genetic factors. Early detection remains critical, as outcomes are significantly better when the disease is identified before it spreads.
Prostate Cancer Prevention
While there is no sure way to prevent prostate cancer, you can help reduce your risk through the following practices:
- Eat a nutritious diet: Choosing various fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will add essential vitamins and nutrients to your diet, positively impacting your health. The National Cancer Institute lists folate as an important protective vitamin to incorporate into your diet.
- Exercise most days: Exercising most days of the week can help you maintain a healthy weight, which supports your prostate’s function and overall health. Strive to achieve 150 to 300 minutes of moderate exercise weekly.
- Don’t smoke: Smoking is often linked to a more aggressive prostate cancer diagnosis. Talk to your doctor for tips on how to safely quit.
Prostate Cancer Treatment
Prostate cancer awareness extends to the types of treatment available today. Because of the advanced treatments available today, most men experience remission from the disease. The Oncology Institute can help you find a prostate cancer treatment option that best fits your needs.
Prostatectomy Surgery
If the cancer is only in the prostate, surgery to remove the prostate — called a prostatectomy — can increase your chances of remission. Minimally invasive techniques exist to reduce the risk of bleeding, scarring, and infection, promoting optimized outcomes.
Radiation Therapy
Internal and external radiation therapy is often the treatment for prostate cancer when it has spread to the surrounding areas. Internal radiation places radioactive materials directly inside or close to the prostate to kill cancer cells. External radiation uses a machine to deliver high-energy radiation over the prostate from outside the body.
Targeted Radioligand Therapies
Treatment has evolved well beyond surgery and radiation alone. For men with advanced disease, targeted radioligand therapies such as Pluvicto™ (lutetium-177 PSMA) are changing the landscape. By directly delivering radiation to prostate cancer cells, Pluvicto offers a new option that can extend survival and improve quality of life, especially for patients whose disease has progressed despite other treatments.
Contact The Oncology Institute to Learn More
This Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, the oncologists at The Oncology Institute are here to provide screenings and support for men experiencing prostate cancer. Reach out for more information today.
