Busy Month for Prostate Cancer Awareness

Chairman of the Surgery Department at Princeton Baptist attends Proclamation, Speaks with NBA Star Grant Hill

BIRMINGHAM, ALA. - September is designated as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to generating awareness of the importance of prostate health. Dr. Michael Bivins, Chairman of the Department of Surgery at Princeton Baptist Medical Center, worked alongside Dr. Tom Moody with the Urology Health Foundation to have September, 2021 proclaimed as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in the state of Alabama. Recently, this proclamation was officially signed and documented by Governor Kay Ivey.

Additionally, Dr. Bivins sat down this month with former NBA star Grant Hill, co-owner of the Atlanta Hawks, to discuss Provenge as a treatment option for advanced prostate cancer. This was a part of a national initiative and the campaign is focused on educating the African-American community on treatment options for advanced prostate cancer.

Prostate problems frequently occur in men over the age of 50, as early as 40 in African-American men, and are among the most common conditions for which patients seek the care of an urologist. Fortunately, not all prostate problems are not cancer, but regardless of age, it is important men see a doctor immediately if they notice changes in their body.

In sum, there is no one size fits all approach to screenings. Overall health status, and not age alone, is important when making decisions about screening, and changes in a man’s health, values and preferences should also be taken into account. In no uncertain terms, be sure to have your well visit each year and talk to your doctor about your prostate health and screening.