Every September, Prostate Cancer Awareness Month brings together global communities—healthcare providers, survivors, researchers, and families—to shine a spotlight on a cancer that affects millions of men. It is a time of education, conversation, screening, and compassion. During this month, we unite to raise awareness, encourage early detection, support those facing prostate cancer, and fund research for better outcomes.
What is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month?
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is an annual campaign focused on educating men and their families about prostate cancer risk, symptoms, detection methods, treatment options, and survivorship. It includes public health initiatives like screening clinics, awareness walks, community outreach events, webinars, expert panels, and media campaigns. The goal is to break down stigma, provide clear facts, and empower men at every stage, whether they’re at risk or already on a cancer journey.
A key leading voice behind this campaign is the World Prostate Cancer Coalition, which coordinates efforts across member organisations. In addition, numerous local charities, health departments, hospitals, and men’s health networks play a vital role, connecting communities with the information and resources they need.
When is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month?
The campaign runs throughout September, offering a full month of engagement and activity. In 2026, that stretches from Monday, September 1 through Tuesday, September 30. Throughout the month, events are scheduled to maximise impact—from early-career screenings to late-afternoon family talks—covering all times and audiences. It’s the prime moment to raise awareness before flu season starts and healthcare systems become strained.
Why Prostate Cancer Awareness Month Matters
Prostate cancer is a major global health issue. Key reasons this awareness month remains essential include:
- High incidence: One in every eight men will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis in their lifetime.
- Better outcomes with early detection: Early-stage prostate cancer often shows no symptoms. Regular discussions and screenings can catch disease early, offering survival rates exceeding 95% over five years.
- Targeted risk factors: Men over 50, those with African or Caribbean heritage, and men with a family history or genetic predisposition face higher risk and benefit most from early discussion and screening.
- Treatment and quality of life: With advances like active surveillance, focal therapy, nerve-sparing surgery, and more precise radiation, men have options that align with both health and long-term quality of life.
- Care for caregivers: Prostate cancer affects not just patients, but families, partners, and support networks. Awareness Month advocates for carer support, open communication, and shared resilience.
Beyond individual impact, this month supports public health. It encourages healthcare systems to prioritise accessible screening, data collection, research, and health inequalities—especially in underserved communities.
How to Get Involved
There are numerous meaningful ways to engage whether you’re a man at risk, a survivor, family member, healthcare professional, or ally:
- Get screened: Men aged 50 and older—or 40 to 45 with high risk factors—should discuss PSA blood testing and digital rectal exams with a doctor. Earlier testing may increase early diagnosis rates.
- Join or host an event: Walks, runs, golf days, webinars, and health fairs are held in communities worldwide. These gather supporters, spread information, and raise funds.
- Share your story: Survivors and caregivers can inspire others by speaking publicly about their diagnosis, treatment, and life post-cancer. Personal stories reduce fear and encourage others to act.
- Fundraise or donate: Money raised during September supports vital research into new treatments, better screening, supportive care services, and public education materials.
- Raise awareness at work or online: Distribute workplace health notices, host lunchtime talks, light buildings in prostate cancer awareness blue, or use social media campaigns to reach broader audiences.
- Support carers: Host or attend support group events tailored to partners and family members, sharing strategies for coping and communication.
History of the Month
The effort to raise awareness around prostate cancer began in the early 1990s. Foundations, medical societies, and survivor networks launched awareness drives in September and October to educate men and improve diagnosis rates. In 1996, prostate cancer advocates coordinated key events such as walks and public screenings. In 2003, several countries aligned the month-long timing in September, and by the late 2000s the World Prostate Cancer Coalition helped unify efforts internationally. Over time, themes emerged—such as “Know Your Risk,” “Talk About It,” and more recently “Survivorship Matters”—to guide public engagement and campaign messaging.
Today, Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is firmly established in national health calendars worldwide. Hospitals, research institutes, governments, and media outlets maintain a focus on men’s health during September—making it a cornerstone of public health planning.
Noteworthy Facts About Prostate Cancer
- It is the second most common cancer in men globally, with several million new cases each year.
- When caught early, prostate cancer has a high 5‑year survival rate—often above 95%.
- Racial disparities exist: Black men are up to twice as likely to develop prostate cancer and more likely to face aggressive forms of the disease.
- Modern treatment may include active surveillance—monitoring the cancer closely—rather than immediate treatment, avoiding overtreatment in low-risk cases.
- Studies show that survivors face risks of incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and mental health effects—emphasising the need for holistic, long-term care.
Hashtags
#ProstateCancerAwareness, #BlueSeptember, #MensHealth, #KnowYourRisk
Links
Related Events
March 1 - March 30
March 1 - March 30
