September: Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
What's Different in 2025
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month — the one month each year when screening conversations move from the urologist's office into the public square. In 2025, updated AUA guidelines emphasize shared decision-making starting at age 40 for men with risk factors, and age 50 for all others. Here's what that means for you this month.
Pre-Season Prep
Complete Before September 1
Confirm Your Primary Care Physician
If you haven't had a physical in 12+ months, schedule one now. Your PCP orders the PSA blood test — you can't self-order at most labs. Call this week; August slots fill fast. Timing: by August 15.
Know Your Family History
Prostate cancer risk doubles if a father or brother was diagnosed. Ask your family this week. Black men face 70% higher incidence and should begin baseline screening at age 40. Timing: this week.
Learn Your Baseline PSA
If you're over 40 and have never had a PSA test, this September is your moment. A single baseline number creates a reference point for future comparisons. Even a "normal" result is valuable data. Timing: schedule before September.
Track Your Symptoms
BPH affects 50% of men by 60. Start noting: nighttime bathroom trips, weak stream, urgency, incomplete emptying. A simple phone note is enough. Bring it to your appointment. Timing: start today.
Review Your Medications
Finasteride (Propecia), biotin supplements, and certain NSAIDs can artificially lower PSA by 30–50%. List every supplement and medication you take — your doctor needs this for accurate interpretation. Timing: compile before your visit.
Your September Calendar
Key Dates and Windows
Book your September PSA test. Many clinics offer free or reduced-cost screenings during awareness month. Urologist wait times increase after September 1.
National awareness campaign launches. Free screening events announced across the country. Check zerocancer.org for local events.
Early-month timing gives you the full month for follow-up if needed. No special preparation — just avoid ejaculation and vigorous exercise 48 hours before for most accurate results.
Peak awareness. Many hospitals host educational events. Good day to share screening information with men in your life.
If you haven't been tested yet, this is your checkpoint. Results typically return in 2–5 business days.
Month-end deadline. Even if PSA is normal, establish your baseline. If elevated, schedule follow-up (repeat PSA in 6–8 weeks, not immediately).
During-Season Guide
What to Do, When, and Why
PSA Screening: The Numbers That Matter
PSA (prostate-specific antigen) is a blood protein produced by the prostate. Normal levels are generally below 4.0 ng/mL, but "normal" varies by age: men in their 40s average 0.7, 50s average 1.0, and 60s average 1.4. An elevated PSA doesn't mean cancer — BPH, prostatitis, recent exercise, and even a long bike ride can raise it.
Action: Get tested. If PSA is above 4.0, don't panic. Your doctor will likely repeat the test in 6–8 weeks and may order a free PSA percentage or MRI before any biopsy discussion.
BPH: The Condition You'll Probably Face
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is non-cancerous prostate enlargement. Prevalence climbs with age: 50% of men by 60, 90% by 80. Symptoms include frequent urination (especially at night), weak stream, urgency, and the feeling of incomplete emptying.
Action: Track your symptoms using the AUA Symptom Score (available free online). Mild symptoms (score 0–7) often respond to lifestyle changes. Moderate (8–19) may benefit from alpha-blockers (tamsulosin) or 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (finasteride). Severe (20–35) may require minimally invasive procedures like Rezūm or UroLift.
Prostatitis: The Underdiagnosed Condition
Prostatitis — inflammation of the prostate — affects up to 10% of men at some point. Acute bacterial prostatitis causes fever, chills, and painful urination (seek immediate care). Chronic prostatitis/CPPS causes persistent pelvic pain, urinary discomfort, and sometimes sexual dysfunction, often without any infection present.
Action: Don't dismiss pelvic pain or persistent urinary symptoms. A urologist can differentiate between bacterial and non-bacterial types. Treatment ranges from antibiotics to alpha-blockers to pelvic floor physical therapy.
Prostate Health and Sexual Function
Prostate conditions directly affect sexual health. Finasteride (used for BPH/hair loss) can cause erectile dysfunction in 3–6% of men and decreased libido in 2–4%. Tamsulosin may cause retrograde ejaculation. Radical prostatectomy for cancer carries significant ED risk — though nerve-sparing techniques and penile rehabilitation protocols have improved outcomes dramatically.
Action: Discuss sexual side effects openly with your doctor before starting any prostate medication. If you've had prostate surgery, ask about penile rehabilitation protocols — early intervention with PDE5 inhibitors improves recovery rates.
Seasonal Data Panel
Key Statistics for September 2025
Post-Season Wrap-Up
October 1 and Beyond
Schedule Your Follow-Up
Don't let your results sit in a patient portal unread. If your PSA was normal, confirm with your doctor and note the number as your baseline. If elevated, schedule the repeat test in 6–8 weeks. Mark your calendar for next September's annual screening.
Build Your Ongoing Monitoring Habit
Track your baseline PSA year over year. Velocity (how fast it rises) matters more than any single number. A rise of more than 0.75 ng/mL per year warrants investigation, even if the absolute number stays below 4.0. Keep a simple health log.
Start the Lifestyle Stack
Prostate health isn't just September. Year-round actions with evidence: 150+ minutes of moderate exercise weekly (reuces BPH risk ~25%), tomato-based foods (lycopene), cruciferous vegetables, limit red meat to ≤3 servings/week, maintain healthy weight, and manage stress. These are the foundations.