Ask your doctor if it’s time for a PSA screening to be included among your regular diagnostic blood tests. Be prepared to share with the doctor your family history of prostate cancer or breast cancer.

Among all U.S. males, those between the ages of 55 and 69 are statistically most at-risk. Note: diagnosis and mortality rates are significantly higher among African Americans and men with a family history of prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer treatments are more successful and less invasive when the disease is detected early.

The relative five-year cure rate for non-aggressive, localized cases (most diagnoses) approaches 99 percent. The initial treatment plan for most of these men is currently active surveillance – monitoring any progress in the disease, mainly through blood tests.

The number of deaths directly attributable to prostate cancer this year will exceed 33,000. Imagining those empty seats at Thanksgiving is heartbreaking. Be diligent – get tested and makes sure your loved ones do as well.