As our calendars begin to fill with school meetings, football games and fall festivals, this month men should be sure to pencil in one thing that could save their lives: prostate cancer screening.

September is National Prostate Health Month.

It is a time that health care providers raise awareness of prostate cancer and encourage men to talk to their doctors about getting screened.

Prostate cancer affects one in seven men, making it the most common non-skin cancer in American men.

In the usual time it takes to watch a football game, it is estimated that 67 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and 10 men will die from it.

Fortunately, prostate cancer is one of the most treatable malignancies if it’s caught early.

Although there is no universally agreed-upon plan for its detection, diagnosis and management, prostate cancer screenings offer an opportunity to catch the disease in its early stages when it’s potentially curable or when less aggressive treatments can be used to possibly eliminate some of the expected side effects.

The latest recommendations say that beginning at age 50 for average-risk and age 45 for high risk, a man should have a discussion with a physician who can review the pros and cons of testing and make a decision based on his individualized risk.

If he decides to screen, it is important for him to know that screening is not a diagnosis; it is a test only.

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood tests and the Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) provide valuable information to men and their doctors, but these tests are not a conclusive diagnosis.

Abnormal results are a “red flag” that a prostate biopsy may be needed to check for prostate cancer. If treatment is needed, there are several options available; risks and benefits of each option should be discussed in detail with a physician.

What should you do?

Talk with your doctor about scheduling a prostate screening.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle by getting enough exercise, eating a well-balanced healthy diet, and avoiding excessive alcohol use and smoking to aid in reducing cancer risk in general.

Know the risk and spread the word.

Together we can kick prostate cancer!

The Cancer Center of Thibodaux Regional will offer free prostate screening PSA tests the week of Sept. 18.

For information on screening locations and times or to register go to thibodaux.com or call 985-493-4008.

Laura Gros, RN, is the patient care coordinator for the Cancer Center of Thibodaux Regional. She can be reached at 985-493-4008.