LANSING — Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men aside from skin cancer, and the second leading cause of cancer death among Michigan men.

Therefore, this September, National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, is the best time for men to become aware of their personal risk for prostate cancer and talk to their doctor about screening.

In Michigan, it is estimated that there will be 5,350 new cases and 830 deaths due to prostate cancer in 2017.

Older men, African-American men, and men with a family history of prostate cancer have a greater risk for developing prostate cancer. African-American men are more than twice as likely as white men to die of prostate cancer. The chance of having prostate cancer rises rapidly after age 50.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is encouraging men to discuss prostate cancer screening with their doctor including its risks, potential benefits, and known limitations in order to make the screening decision that is right for them.

Men with average risk, such as White men with no family history of prostate cancer, should talk to their doctor about screening beginning at age 50.  Men at high risk, including African-American men or those with a close family member who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65, should have the screening discussion with their doctor beginning at age 45. Men at highest risk are those with multiple close family members who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65 – these men should have the screening discussion with their doctor beginning at age 40.

While there are not usually symptoms associated with early prostate cancer, men should call their doctor if they have any of the following symptoms: difficulties with urination, a need to urinate frequently especially at night, difficulties having an erection, pain or burning while urinating, and blood in the urine or semen.

For more information about prostate cancer, visit www.michigan.gov/cancer.