Health Tip for September 2023

by J. Renee Livsey, RN-BC |  September 1, 2023

  
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.
 

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. It’s one of the leading causes of cancer death among all men. However, Black men are disproportionately hit hard by the disease. One in 6 Black men will develop prostate cancer in his lifetime — compared to 1 in 8 in other men. They are also more than twice as likely to die from prostate cancer.

Dr. Cassandra Moore, a Mayo Clinic oncologist, explains what Black men need to know to reverse the disturbing trend.

Black men harshly impacted by prostate cancer

Men often don’t talk about health issues that occur below the belt, but maybe they should.

“It is the most common cancer in men outside of skin cancer, and it’s the second most common cause of cancer deaths in men,” says Dr. Moore.

It’s unclear why Black men are harshly impacted by prostate cancer. There are likely many contributing factors, such as genetics, diet, environment, access to care and racial bias.

“There are studies that show that African American men are less likely to be offered treatments, be offered even clinical trials,” says Dr. Moore.

Knowing your family history is important. Black men and those with a family history of prostate, breast, colon or ovarian cancer should consider getting screened for prostate cancer starting at age 40.

“The BRCA gene, BRCA1 and 2, play a role in prostate cancer,” explains Dr. Moore.

Maintaining a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, limiting red meats and processed foods, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising are beneficial in reducing prostate cancer.

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©2023 Mayo Clinic News Network. Visit newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus or RSV, and the flu are contagious respiratory illnesses, and cases of all three are expected to increase this winter. These respiratory illnesses are caused by different viruses, but they share similar symptoms.  As a result, it may be difficult to tell what you’ve come down with when you’re feeling under the weather.  The only reliable way to distinguish between the three is with testing.  COVID, RSV and the flu can all be diagnosed using a nasal swab or throat swab. There are currently vaccines for all three of these respiratory viruses and they are effective at decreasing the duration of transmission, and decreasing the likelihood of severe disease.
 
COVID-19, RSV and the flu are spread by virus droplets transmitted when an infected individual coughs or sneezes, and another individual breathes those particles in, or they land on their eyes, nose, or mouth. In some cases, the virus can spread if you touch a contaminated surface and then touch your face before washing your hands.  RSV is typically only severe in infants, the elderly, and in people with immune deficiency or chronic medical conditions. RSV symptoms are much less intense, and generally will appear more like a common cold. Symptoms include a runny nose, a cough, itchy and runny eyes, and a relatively low-grade fever. Monoclonal antibodies can be given to infants and is recommended in infants younger than 8 months.  COVID and flu are very similar - they both present with fever, cough, achiness, fatigue, headache, sinus congestion, or a runny nose. Both can cause vomiting and diarrhea. With the flu, however, not all persons will have a fever.  The symptom of a loss of smell is unique to COVID. If you test positive for COVID-19 it is important to seek medical attention ASAP after diagnosis for the medication to be effective. Of note: The updated COVID vaccine has been approved for broad use as of today, September 12th, and should be available within days. Please contact your healthcare provider about what vaccine you should receive.
 
Along with recommended vaccinations - good handwashing, the use of hand sanitizer, and the wearing of masks when in highly populated areas are all encouraged to help us all stay healthy.