Watching, waiting, treating prostate cancer [Video]

Join Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Pfizer for the "Prostate Cancer & Family Health: A Comprehensive Discussion" on Wednesday, September 13th at 7 PM ET!

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month – the second most common type of cancer in men in the United States. Join Atlantic Health System urologist Dr. Naeem Rahman to discuss the importance of early detection and regular checkups.Thursday, September 14th at 12:30pmNaeem Rahman, MD, Medical Director, Atlantic Medical Group Urology

How to catch prostate cancer early

Richard Benevento, 67, doesnt like saying the word cancer.I dont know if that was a denial thing or not, he said. But now, more than four years after his prostate cancer diagnosis, which is the second leading cause of cancer death for American men, Benevento is sharing his story. He is saying the word cancer to encourage men to talk with their doctor about getting screened. If you live in Boston, youre in the medical capital of the world. Why not take advantage of these things to improve your quality of life and extend your life? he asked. Part of Beneventos treatment was at the Massachusetts General Cancer Center with Dr. Sophia Kamran.Theres still some stigma surrounding prostate cancer and prostate cancer diagnosis, Kamran, a radiation oncologist at Massachusetts General Cancer Center, said.Kamran said treatments have come a long way and that the prostate-specific antigen test PSA remains the gold standard for early detection.We generally recommend for average-risk men that they start talking to their doctor about it at age 45-50, Kamran said. Those at higher risk include Black men and men with a family history not just of prostate cancer, but other types of cancer.Benevento said the talk wasnt just for him but also for his family, and he hopes men decide to have that conversation now, with September being Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.I got stuff to do, you know what I mean? Im not ready to check out. So again, if someone is watching this, get checked, Benevento said.Kamran adds that for Black men, its important to talk with their doctor not only because they are at higher risk of having a prostate cancer diagnosis but also because they are at higher risk of death from prostate cancer.