The New York State Department of Health is marking Prostate Cancer Awareness Month by urging individuals with a prostate to learn about the disease and discuss screening options with their health care providers.
“Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. “Talking with your health care provider is an important first step in understanding your personal risk and the options available to you.”
Statistics show that one in seven males will develop prostate cancer during their lifetime. In New York, it is the second most common cancer found in males after skin cancer. Each year, approximately 17,000 residents are diagnosed, and 1,650 die from the disease.
Anyone with a prostate can develop prostate cancer, including transgender women and gender nonbinary individuals. The disease primarily affects older males, with about two-thirds of cases occurring in those aged 65 and older. Non-Hispanic Black males face the highest rates of diagnosis and mortality from prostate cancer compared to other racial or ethnic groups; they are one and a half times more likely to get the disease and twice as likely to die from it as white males. A family history also increases risk.
Screening may detect prostate cancer before symptoms appear but carries both risks and benefits. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force advises individuals assigned male at birth between ages 55 and 69 to consult their health care provider regarding their risk for prostate cancer and whether screening is appropriate. Those at high risk should begin these conversations at age 40 or 45. Screening is not recommended for those aged 70 or older unless requested after discussing potential risks and benefits with a provider.
To address disparities in prostate cancer outcomes, the Department funds programs such as Peer Education, Outreach, and Shared Decision Making for Persons at High Risk for Prostate Cancer Program. This initiative supports organizations providing education, coaching, referrals, and linkage to community services—particularly targeting Black communities disproportionately affected by prostate cancer.
The New York State Cancer Registry participates in research collaborations aimed at improving outcomes and reducing disparities. It serves as a site for the RESPOND Study on prostate cancer in men of African ancestry to identify reasons behind higher risks and aggressive forms of the disease within this group. Follow-up studies aim to understand factors influencing progression and survival rates among men of African descent. Additionally, recruitment continues for the PC Concept Study evaluating treatment side effects and quality of life after therapies for low- or intermediate-risk cases.
New York’s Medicaid Cancer Treatment Program offers coverage for eligible uninsured residents needing prostate cancer treatment.
The New York State Cancer Consortium brings together over 400 public- and private-sector members statewide to reduce the impact of cancer through coordinated action teams.
Residents—especially those at higher risk—are encouraged by the Department to seek information about screening options with their health care providers.
Further details on department programs supporting education and resources related to cancer are available on its website: https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/cancer/.
Information from the New York State Cancer Registry can be accessed here: https://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/cancer/registry/.
General information on types of cancers, prevention strategies, treatments, resources—including survivorship—is also provided online: https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/cancer/.
