Father’s Day really is about celebrating the joy of fatherhood. Despite any vestiges of machismo, if you’re like me, you melt at the crayon cards, the macaroni pictures or even the tie with mysterious green slime on it. We melt because we care. 

And yet. Some of us still have stigmas.

According to survey results collected between Jan 5 and Feb 8 of this year commissioned by the Prevent Cancer Foundation (PCF), 65% of men polled indicated they were behind on at least one routine cancer screening. Given that the American Cancer Society reports the country faces an alarming rise in cancer incidences in 2024 (estimated to surpass 2 million new cases), this could be an incredibly timely opportunity to take steps this month to protect your health. Talk to your general physician, do more research, book a screening appointment, and drop the stigma of ignoring symptoms or pushing preventative appointments off until “next year.”  

At Urology Nevada, our physicians see hundreds of men each week, many of whom seek help only after experiencing troubling symptoms. Yet, few come in proactively, and it’s more important than ever for fathers to prioritize their health and well-being. The results of the PCF  survey, compiled into their annual Early Detection Survey, also highlighted that 20% of men are not scheduling their own doctor’s appointments.

I know Reno Dads is a place proactive fathers come to connect and, as a member of the Urology Nevada/Oncology Nevada team, I would be remiss if I didn’t point out that, in the same way this group and its readers champion mental health, shared emotional labor and plenty other hallmarks of today’s well-rounded father, we have got to take stock of our own health and take our own, proactive steps. 

I know we can do better. And we must.

A recent analysis published in The Lancet, a collection of esteemed medical journals, forecasts a concerning rise in prostate cancer cases worldwide. The analysis predicts cases will nearly double from 1.4 million in 2020 to 2.9 million by 2040. The American Cancer Society (ACS) highlights that Nevada’s prostate cancer mortality rate stands at 19.7%, surpassing the national average of 18.8%. This underscores the critical need for awareness and early detection, as “true numbers will likely be much higher than the recorded figures due to under-diagnosis.” Unfortunately, ACS points out that prostate cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths for men. 

In the United States, one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and one in 44 will die from it. Early detection is crucial, as it significantly improves prognosis. Our screening methods are both simple and advanced, allowing us to catch symptoms early. Although the statistics are alarming, there is hope: approximately 3.3 million men in the U.S. have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and survived. With serious and early intervention, this is a beatable disease.

One of the most effective tools we have is the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test, which helps identify early signs of prostate cancer. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate, and elevated levels can indicate a prostate condition such as infection, benign enlargement, or cancer. While an elevated PSA doesn’t diagnose cancer, it’s a crucial starting point for evaluation.

From our vantage point at Urology Nevada, we encourage more men in northern Nevada to take simple but potentially life-saving steps to safeguard their health. June marks Men’s Health Awareness Month, a time to remind fathers that there is joy in prioritizing your health now, rather than suffering the symptoms and consequences later. 

This Father’s Day, remember there is joy in prioritizing your health now, rather than suffering the symptoms and consequences later. Taking preventive measures and seeking early detection can ensure you’re around for many more Father’s Days to come. So enjoy the macaroni cards and the magic of your day. But remember to conquer the doctor’s office just like you conquer the barbeque. While you may have an extensive collection of “World’s Best Dad” drinkware, don’t forget to give your loved ones an equally treasured gift: your health.

If you ever want to talk ties (our doctors have quite a collection), PSA screenings, or any other previously stigmatized men’s health topics, we are here for you – so you can be there for your family.

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