Every September, various health advocates, organizations, experts, and individuals come together to raise awareness about men’s prostate health and cancer. This month is known as National Prostate Health Month, and it was created for several purposes other than raising awareness.

It was also created to help provide accessible prostate health and cancer screenings to the public, to educate about the risk factors associated with this form of cancer, and to advocate for additional research on prostate health issues and prostate cancer.

Even though some people consider prostate cancer to be only a male problem, the truth is that both men and women should get involved because this cancer impacts the lives of everyone’s loved ones.

The History of National Prostate Health Month

In 1999, this month was created by the American Foundation for Urological Disease. The original purpose of this month was to inform the public about prostate health issues. However, its scope was expanded in 2001 after Senate Resolution 138 endorsed the week and made it an annual observance.

Two years later, U.S. President George W. Bush proclaimed the month National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. It would be reaffirmed as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in 2015 by the Obama Administration. Since then, this month has been observed with not only prostate health but also prostate cancer prevention and treatment.

Facts About Prostate Health & Prostate Cancer

To help all of our readers learn more about prostate health and cancer, we thought we’d list some of the facts that we know about it below. The following facts should help everyone observe National Prostate Health Month in a more conscientious and purposeful manner.

• The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located beneath a man’s bladder.
• The prostate’s main purpose is to protect and nourish sperm.
• Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in American men.
• Currently, over 3 million men are living with this condition.
• Approximately 12.5% of men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.
• If a man has a brother or father with prostate cancer, his risk of developing it doubles.
• Prostate cancer symptoms can be similar to those of other health conditions, such as an overactive bladder.

Observing National Prostate Health Month

All around the U.S., there are events at medical centers, health systems, and hospitals supporting this month. These organizations offer free screenings for prostate-related diseases.

It’s also a month during which many organizations researching prostate cancer attempt to raise funds, so people should consider donating to these organizations. People can also spread the word about this month using the hashtag #ProstateHealthMonth on the internet.