Camp Springs, MD - As the world goes through the coronavirus pandemic, recent studies have shown that people are avoiding going to their doctors for fear of becoming infected by COVID-19. While that anxiety is certainly understandable, the Prince George’s County Commission on Fathers, Men & Boys is encouraging all men to continue to get your regular health check-ups, particularly for prostate cancer which has a profound effect on men, especially African-American men in Prince George’s County.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, all men are at risk for prostate cancer. Out of every 100 American men, about 13 will get prostate cancer during their lifetime, and about 2 to 3 men will die from prostate cancer. The most common risk factor is age. The older a man is, the greater the chance of getting prostate cancer, and African-American men are more likely to get prostate cancer than other men. Prostate cancer is a treatable form of cancer, particularly when found early. Therefore, it is encouraged for men, starting at age 40, to see a health professional about early detection to allow for more treatment and prevention options.

“There is a stigma among men, particularly in the African-American community, around getting a prostate examination,” stated Joseph Jones, Chairman of the Prince George’s County Commission on Fathers, Men & Boys. “I would rather be uncomfortable being examined by the doctor to save my life, than viewed by my friends and family because I lost my life. Simply put, getting an annual prostate examination can save your life.” 

For more information on prostate cancer, visit www.cdc.gov/cancer/prostate.

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