Awareness All-Year Round

There are over 3 million men living with prostate cancer in the U.S. Prostate cancer is 99% treatable if detected early… let’s give every man in our lives a fighting chance.

The idea of spreading awareness is so that medical professionals, health advocates, medical researchers and individuals can share an open dialogue about the far-reaching impact of the disease. In 2015, September was declared Prostate Cancer Awareness Month with the following goals in mind:

Increasing public awareness about prostate cancer

Advocating for more research on prostate cancer

Educating the public about the risk factors and symptoms of the disease

Making prostate cancer screenings more accessible

This a great step towards creating public awareness, but that doesn't mean support isn't needed the rest of the year. Our team at the International Prostate Cancer Foundation is eager to do our part and join in the conversation to educate individuals about the risk factors associated with prostate cancer. Below are some steps you can take to join the fight against prostate cancer.

Watch for the Blue Ribbon
A light blue ribbon serves as the symbol of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Intended to serve as a reminder and spark conversation, watch for blue ribbons throughout the year, and wear one yourself to support all the men in your life.

Get Educated!
Why is prostate cancer awareness so important? Education is essential in the fight against prostate cancer.

Excluding skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common solid-organ cancer in men. Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind only lung cancer. 

The number of prostate cancers diagnosed each year declined sharply from 2007 to 2014, coinciding with fewer men being screened because of changes in screening recommendations. From 2014 through 2022, however, the incidence rate increased by 3% per year. The prostate cancer death rate declined by about half from 1993 to 2022, most likely due to earlier detection and advances in treatment.

For 2026 it is estimated, 333,830 men will be diagnosed with and 36,320 men will die of prostate cancer. If prostate cancer is found as a result of screening, it will probably be at an earlier, more treatable stage than if no screening were done.

Black men are often diagnosed at younger ages and at later, more aggressive stages, and are more than twice as likely to die of prostate cancer as white men. 1 in 6 Black men are diagnosed each year. Prostate cancer risk is also higher in Black men in the US and the Caribbean.

1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer About 1 in 44 men will die of prostate cancer. But each man’s risk of prostate cancer can vary, based on his age, race/ethnicity, and other factors.

Having a father or brother with prostate cancer more than doubles a man’s risk of developing this disease.

Almost 3.5 million men in the United States count themselves as prostate cancer survivors. Prostate cancer can be a serious disease, but most men diagnosed with prostate cancer do not die from it.

Prostate cancer is more likely to develop in older men. About 6 in 10 prostate cancers are diagnosed in men who are 65 or older, and it is rare in men under 40.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis among US Veterans.
Veterans are twice as likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer compared to the general population, with about 1 in 5 male veterans expected to be diagnosed in their lifetime. 15,000 new cases are diagnosed and treated by the VA annually

Get Involved!
Don't just save your support for the month of September, we encourage you to get involved in prostate cancer awareness. Watch for news and information from trusted sources! Talk to family and friends about the risk of prostate cancer, the importance of screening, diagnosis and appropriate treatment by experienced doctors.

Get Screened! Early Prostate Cancer Detection is Key.
The International Prostate Cancer Foundation recommends that men have a chance to make an informed decision with their healthcare provider about being screened for prostate cancer. The decision should be made after getting information about the uncertainties, risks, and potential benefits of prostate cancer screening.

*Visit the education center to learn more about screening and early detection.

Did you know BLACK MEN are AT A HIGHER RISK?
According to the National Cancer Institute, prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer among men in the United States. Black men in the United States are more likely to be diagnosed with and to die from prostate cancer vs. men of other backgrounds. They are diagnosed at a younger age and with more advanced disease.

To better understand how black men are affected by prostate cancer. Visit the Black Men at a Higher Risk page in the Education Center.

Tell Your Story.
Are you a prostate cancer survivor? Do you have an inspiring story to share with the prostate cancer community? The International Prostate Cancer Foundation occasionally features survivor fight stories, tell us yours!

Give.
Our goal is to fund practice-changing breakthroughs in prostate cancer treatment and support the scientific engine creating results, which are urgently needed by patients. Extra Funds? Become a donor.  Time to fill? Become a fundraiser.

Celebrate Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
We urge you to use this annual observance in September as a reminder to stay on top of your prostate health. If you or a loved one are due for a prostate cancer screening, we encourage you to speak with your doctor about prostate cancer screening. Want to create an awareness campaign at your office? Be sure to visit our resources center!

Don't forget MOVEMBER! Grow a mustache in November to support men's health awareness and testicular cancer awareness. Men continue to face a health crisis that isn’t being talked about enough. But the efforts made during Movember are helping change that, so men can live happier, healthier, longer lives.

We also encourage you to stay tuned throughout the year and discover more ways to celebrate prostate cancer awareness with us. Be sure to subscribe to our blog and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Be in the know!

➤ march 10

International Prostate Cancer Day
Orlando, Florida

We are excited to share this news! Buddy Dyer, mayor of the city of Orlando, declared March 10th International Prostate Cancer Foundation Day!

 ✉  Do you have an awareness event?

Email Us!

➤ Fundraising Events - Recaps & current

The International Prostate Cancer Foundation hosts a Celebration of Life Gala, in addition to smaller education and fundraising events throughout the year. Do you have an idea for a fundraiser in support of prostate cancer? Our team is here to support you and find just what works for you. Let your passion, talents and interests lead you to your own fundraising endeavor.  We are here to help every step of the way.

Share your ideas with us. Become a fundraiser.

➤ education successes - Recaps

Learn about our awareness and educational events. Our team is here to spread awareness and aid in prevention and research. 

IPCF SPONSORS: MEN’S HEALTH FORUM:
PROSTATE SMART 2024 —
Sunday — April 14, 2024, the International Prostate Cancer Foundation, in partnership with the Global Robotics Institute team of AdventHealth, hosted the Prostate Smart: Men's Health Forum for patients and their supporters.  Taking place at the AdventHealth Nicholson Center, the event drew over 195 in-person registrants and over 1,100 virtual viewers!  It was an incredible opportunity to encourage patients to connect and offer support on their prostate cancer journeys.  

FEATURE: OSCAR ROBERTSON AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
NBA All-Star Legend Oscar Robertson speaks out to create awareness! Oscar not only sits on the board of the Foundation, he is also a prostate cancer survivor. Read his full survivor story. In 2012, Oscar participated in a media tour that helped us officially launch The International Prostate Cancer Foundation and create awareness world-wide about the importance of getting screened.

From Fox Sports and Yahoo Sports to a Public Meet & Greet and Educational Event, Oscar Robertson lent his time and story to spread prostate cancer awareness nationwide. Other notable interviews: Bloomberg radio, the Bleacher Report, Central Florida News 13, My Fox Orlando, the Orlando Sentinel and many more. 

➤ awareness/advocacy

IPCF goes to Washington – February 2024 International Prostate Cancer Foundation representatives Natalia Kapsalis and Jackie Schueler traveled to Washington DC, alongside Prostate Zero, to lobby Congress for funding for various prostate cancer programs, such as PSA for HIM, Prostate Cancer Research Program, PC Care Act and CDC Prostate Cancer Outreach Program.

Our top priority across our meetings on Capitol Hill this past February was breaking down barriers to prostate cancer screening. Read the full story.

Prostate Cancer Run/Walk

ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walks
The premier men's health event series in America, brings together athletes, cancer survivors, physicians, caretakers, family members, and friends in the fight to end prostate cancer
Find a ZERO Event near you!

SET THE PACE Prostate Cancer Events
The SET the PACE Event Series is an excellent way to raise awareness of prostate cancer in your community.
Learn more about SET THE PACE Events!

Inaugural Mustache Dash 10K 2017 — November
In recognition of Dr. Vipul Patel’s 10,000th Robotic Prostatectomy, November 2017 was the announcement of the inaugural Mustache Dash 10K. Sponsored by AdventHealth Hospital, it’s a virtual race open globally that allows participants who have been directly affected by prostate cancer; patients, physicians, family and friends — as well anyone who wants to support the cause — to take action.