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September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, where we are shining a spotlight on the importance of early detection, prevention, and support for those impacted by this disease. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, with about every 13 in 100 men developing the disease during their lifetime. By raising awareness, we can encourage conversations about screening, lifestyle choices, and treatment options that save lives.

What Is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer develops in the prostate gland, a small organ located below the bladder and in front of the bladder in men that produces seminal fluid. While some prostate cancer tumors grow slowly, others can be aggressive and spread quickly if not detected early.

Common Risk Factors

• Age: Risk progressively increases as you get older. You are more likely to get diagnosed after age 50

• Family history: If you have a close family member diagnosed with prostate cancer, you are two to three times more likely to get it

• Race: Risk is higher if you are Black or of African ancestry, especially for more aggressive cancers

• Lifestyle: Diet, exercise, and overall health (regular smoker, obesity, STIs, or prostatitis) can play a role
  

Why Screening Matters

Early detection is critical. The earlier prostate cancer is found, the more treatment options are available, and the better the outcomes. Common screening tests include:

• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test: Detection of high PSA levels may indicate cancer or benign conditions such as benign prostate hyperplasia or prostatis

• Digital rectal exam (DRE): Healthcare provider inserts gloved, lubricated finger into rectum to feel for bumps or hard areas on prostate gland

• Imaging: MRI or transrectal ultrasound displays images of prostate gland, including suspicious areas which helps to determine if it’s necessary to perform biopsy

Common Symptoms

While early prostate cancer may not show symptoms, more advanced cases can cause:

• Frequent urination or need to pee (especially at night)

• Weak urine stream

• Blood in urine or semen

• Pain in hips, lower back, or chest

• Pain or burning when you pee

• Loss of bladder and/or bowel control

• Painful ejaculation and erectile dysfunction
  

How to Reduce Your Risk

While not all cases can be prevented, healthy habits may help lower your risk:

• Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains

• Stay physically active

• Limit red and processed meats

• Reduce or eliminate smoking

• Regular checkups and screenings
  

This Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, let’s break the silence around men’s health. By promoting early detection, healthier choices, and support for those affected, we can make a difference in the fight against prostate cancer.

Knowledge is power, but so is tracking your health. If you or a loved one are monitoring symptoms, medications, or screenings, Wave Health can help you stay organized and empowered.

📲 Download the Wave Health app today to track your health, manage appointments, and have more productive conversations with your care team.

Together, we can raise awareness, take control of men’s health, and make early detection a priority.

Source: Cleveland Clinic. “Prostate Cancer.” Health Library, Cleveland Clinic, last reviewed May 21, 2025. Available at: Cleveland Clinic website

A stage-four cancer diagnosis typically signals the end of the road for many patients. Survival measured in weeks or months at a time. Today, thanks to targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and precision medicine, patients with metastatic or terminal cancer are living years and even decades longer. This shift is redefining what it means to live with cancer: from a fatal sentence to a chronic condition that requires long-term management.

This much is true for Gwen Orilio, who was 31 when she was first diagnosed with stage-four lung cancer. She’s now 41 and still has metastatic cancer. She did not expect to live long enough to think about retirement. A decade later, she’s still teaching, still planning for the future, and proof that cancer treatments are extending survival in ways once thought impossible.

Her journey reflects a growing trend: cancer is no longer always about immediate life-or-death outcomes. Instead, it’s often about adapting to the challenges of long-term survival. Orilio is part of this growing population of cancer patients who are living longer lives due to new advancements in cancer treatment. 

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