Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in American men. The American Cancer Society 2019 statistics for prostate cancer projects approximately 174,650 new cases and 31,620 deaths in the United States.

June is Men’s Health Month. During this month, men are encouraged to consider their risks for prostate cancer and if testing is appropriate.

Because prostate cancer is a slow growing cancer, the ACS recommends men thinking about being screened make an informed decision based on available information, discussion with a doctor and personal views.

"Prostate cancer screening recommendations have changed over the years,” Cmdr. Christa Robinson, director of medical services, Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay said. She revealed current recommendations by the United States Preventative Task Force emphasizes individual discussions with a primary care manager about the risks & benefits for screening rather than screening everyone of a certain age.

Before seeing a primary care manager, prepare for the discussion.

“It is important to know your family history as well as be prepared to discuss any urinary symptoms,” Robinson said. This information will be important in deciding if and when screening should occur.  

Visit tolsecuremessaging.com or call the Primary Care Clinic at 72944 for an appointment to discuss if prostate cancer screening is right for you.

U.S. Navy Hospital Guantanamo Bay embraces providing world-class care by maintaining a reputation for sustaining one of the highest patient satisfaction rates of any military treatment facility in the Navy. The patient population of approximately 6,000 includes military family members, government civilian employees and their families, special category residents, contractors, foreign nationals and migrants.

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For more news from Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay, visit www.navy.mil/.