Min. Dale Edwards Executive Director Call and Post
CLEVELAND — September —2025 — September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and health advocates across Ohio are urging men to get screened and talk openly about a disease that affects one in eight men during their lifetimes.
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in the United States, trailing only skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 288,000 new cases are diagnosed nationwide each year, and roughly 34,000 men die from the disease annually. Yet, when caught early, the survival rate is more than 99 percent.
Doctors say awareness and early detection are critical.
“Too many men put off screenings because they feel fine or they’re uncomfortable talking about it,” said Dr. Marcus Grant, a urologist at Cleveland Clinic. “Prostate cancer can be silent in its early stages. Regular checkups save lives.”
Risk Factors and Disparities
Age is the strongest risk factor, with most cases found in men over 50. Family history also plays a role. But racial disparities are especially concerning: Black men are about 70 percent more likely to develop prostate cancer and are more than twice as likely to die from it compared to white men.
“We see higher rates in African American men, and we don’t fully know why,” said Dr. Valerie Carter of The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center in Columbus. “What we do know is that early and regular screening is vital.”
Local Efforts to Raise Awareness
Throughout September, hospitals, nonprofits, and community groups are hosting free screenings, educational events, and outreach campaigns:
- MetroHealth in Cleveland is offering free prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests at its neighborhood clinics.
- The Prostate Cancer Foundation is running its “Blue Ribbon Run” in Columbus to raise funds for research and patient support.
- Local churches across Northeast Ohio are partnering with health professionals to bring mobile screening vans into neighborhoods where access to care is limited.
“These events are about more than a test,” said Rev. Anthony Daniels of Cleveland’s Mt. Zion Baptist Church. “They’re about starting conversations in families and communities that too often avoid this subject.”
A Call to Action
Advocates stress that men should speak with their doctors about screening options, especially those between ages 45 and 70, or younger if they have a family history.
“Knowledge is power,” said Dr. Grant. “The earlier you know your risk and your status, the more options you have.”
As the month continues, Ohioans will see buildings lit in blue, community races, and social media campaigns—all with one message: prostate cancer is common, but it doesn’t have to be deadly if caught in time.
