Make Health Your Habit This Spring

Screening for prostate cancer is crucial for early detection and to help provide the best possible outcome. It is especially important for Black men to be vigilant about screening, as they are disproportionately impacted by this cancer.

About 1 in 6 Black men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, compared to 1 in 8 white men, according to a report from the American Cancer Society. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in Black men.

The American Cancer Society recommends that men at an average risk of developing prostate cancer begin screening when they are 50, but Black men should start earlier—at age 45 if they have no family history of prostate cancer, and at age 40 if any of their male relatives have had prostate cancer. Wellstar takes a personalized approach to cancer screenings, with clinicians discussing benefits versus risks of screening and helping patients evaluate their risk.

“Despite many physicians being aware of this and following this practice, Black men continue to be diagnosed with and die from metastatic prostate cancer. This is a trend that desperately needs to be reversed,” said Wellstar Primary Care Physician Dr. Earl Stewart. “We have adequate screening tools that do not even require a digital rectal examination.”

The Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test is more accurate than the digital rectal examination in helping to detect prostate cancer, according to Dr. Stewart. Patients should also discuss family history with their relatives. “Patients knowing their family history is so crucial in having those discussions with primary care physicians to determine the best age at which to start screening,” Dr. Stewart said.

Screening for prostate cancer is as simple as making a preventive appointment with your primary care physician, discussing your family history with him or her, and having a PSA blood test. This test may be performed during an annual physical or wellness visit. Shared decision making between physician and patient is important to discuss your risk, your need for testing and next steps to take if your PSA level is elevated and concerning. Knowing your risk can save your life.

“I know many personally who are near and dear to me who had the disease and who unfortunately died from complications of metastatic prostate cancer,” Dr. Stewart said. “I know many more who lived because they had the conversation and dared to move forward with appropriate screening at the appropriate age.”

Learn more about prostate cancer care at Wellstar.

If you’re a sports fan, you’re probably glued to every game, rooting for your team and analyzing every play. But are you as vigilant with your own health? 

In addition to knowing your health stats—those important numbers like blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar—you should also watch for health conditions that more commonly impact men. 

An annual physical gives you the opportunity to ask your clinician questions about your health, and you’ll get a few quick, crucial health screenings that can catch issues early and put you on track for staying well.

“See your primary care provider at least once a year to check in on your well-being and stay up to date on essential screenings you may need,” said Wellstar Primary Care Physician Dr. Facia Dew. “Your provider will customize care based on your health history, age and other factors to help you feel your best.”

Take action against illness

Some illnesses are more likely to affect men than women, so men should be especially mindful about taking steps to prevent these issues:

Lung cancer

Men are slightly more likely to get lung cancer—the lifetime risk for men is 1 in 17, while it’s 1 in 18 for women, according to the American Cancer Society. Black men are about 12% more likely to develop lung cancer compared to white men. Decrease your risk of lung cancer by avoiding smoking.

With a low-dose CT scan of the chest, it only takes a few seconds to check in on your lung health. An order from your healthcare professional is required for a lung cancer screening. Contact your Wellstar primary care team or a pulmonologist to discuss if screening is right for you.

Parkinson’s disease

Men are 1.5 times more likely than women to have Parkinson’s disease, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation. Wellstar neurologists and neurosurgeons are experts in helping patients manage this condition.

Kidney stones

The risk of kidney stones is about 11% in men and 9% in women, according to the National Kidney Foundation. You can reduce your risk of kidney stones by staying hydrated and eating a low-sugar, low-sodium diet. Your care team can help you evaluate your risk factors, including personal and family history, obesity and being 40 or older. 

Prostate cancer

While all men are at risk for prostate cancer, Black men are more likely to get prostate cancer and are more commonly affected at younger ages. Men who are 50 or older should ask their doctor about testing, and Black men should discuss testing with their care team at age 45. If you have a family history of prostate cancer, you should also consider screenings at a younger age, and your healthcare professional will discuss options with you. 

Form healthy habits

According to Wellstar Urologist Dr. Scott Miller, men need to stay active and stay away from smoking. He also noted a few lifestyle changes that are sometimes overlooked can make a difference in how you feel.

“What’s often neglected is a full and consistent night’s sleep,” Dr. Miller said. “And keep stress under control—too much stress can negatively impact our immune systems.” 

Find a primary care professional near you.