Michigan Recognizes September as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

According to the Michigan Department of Community Health news release, Governor Granholm and the MDCH have once again recognized September as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

Prostate cancer is a cancer that develops in the prostate which is a gland in the male reproductive system. Prostate cancer occurs when the cells of the prostate mutate and begin to multiply. Some of these cells spread from the prostate and affect the bones and the lymph nodes. In most cases of prostate cancer, pain, difficulty urinating, and erectile dysfunction is present. The causes of prostate cancer are unknown at this time, however with researchers finding the specific risk factors, the cause may come a bit sooner than later.

According to the American Cancer Society, risk factors for prostate cancer include the following. Age, the cancer is usually found in men older than 50. African Ancestry, black men are affected disproportionately by prostate cancer. Family history, whether or not it be maternal or paternal, chances of getting prostate cancer are much more likely if someone in your family has had it.

In Michigan, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men. 967 men in Michigan in 2004 died from the disease. In 2007, the American Cancer Society has estimated that the number of men who will die from prostate cancer will go up to 1,180 men. It is also estimated that 8,200 Michigan men will be newly diagnosed. In the nation, Michigan ranks 37th in prostate cancer deaths.

With these staggering numbers, Michigan has developed a website dedicated to help aid men in their decisions and in their treatment of prostate cancer. The website is called The Michigan Cancer Consortium which allows men and their families go online and read different stories of men who have survived, understanding exactly what prostate cancer is, what your test results mean, support groups in your area, and even literature and audio tapes that can be purchased. You can visit the website by going to Prostate Cancer Decision.