State of Alabama Number One in Prostate Cancer Deaths

*in photo_ Dr. Andrew Strang and Governor Robert Bentley signing proclamation declaring September as Prostate Cancer Awareness in the State of Alabama

Alabama is the number one state per capita, in the nation in prostate cancer deaths among African American men and third overall for others. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among all men in the United States.


In 2014 Alabama is expected to have 3,760 new cases of prostate cancer and 540 deaths resulting from this disease. The high prostate cancer mortality rate among African Americans can be attributed to several factors, including genetics, environment, education and socio-economic conditions according to Dr. Andrew Strang, urologist at Urology Centers of Alabama, but the failure to have a simple prostate cancer screening is a major contributing factor.


Governor Robert Bentley has proclaimed September as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in the State of Alabama and an opportunity to renew the state’s commitment to find a better way to prevent, detect and control this disease. According to Governor Bentley and Dr. Strang the state has made significant progress in the fight against prostate cancer and will continue to bring greater awareness to prostate cancer and to educate men on the importance of prostate cancer screenings. Early detection and treatment are the key factors in addressing this disease states Dr. Strang.


No one knows the exact cause of prostate cancer and why one man develops the disease and another does not, however research has shown that men with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop the disease. The biggest risk factor is age along with a family history of the disease. Men with a father or brother who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer have more than twice the risk of being diagnosed. Race is also a risk factor.


During September Dr. Strang along with Urology Centers of Alabama invites the state of Alabama to come together to raise awareness about prostate cancer and to stress the importance of men knowing their PSA scores. The screening for prostate cancer consists of a simple blood test (PSA) and a brief examination (DRE). This screening takes ten minutes and it is ten minutes that could save a man’s life. Now is a good time for men to take charge of their health.



Learn more about prostate cancer by visiting www.urologycentersalabama.com.