Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is an invasive cancer that starts in the prostate, an organ within the typical male reproductive system.1 The prostate surrounds the urethra and produces fluid that, together with testicular sperm cells and other glandular fluids, makes up semen.1 The prostate is approximately the size of a walnut and is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum.1 Prostate cancer is not the same as benign prostatic hyperplasia, which refers to the natural growth of the prostate as someone ages.1
This health awareness social media toolkit can help your cancer control organizations implement evidence-based practices when communicating about prostate cancer.
Data and Statistics
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed invasive cancer among patients assigned male at birth.2 Approximately 100 per 100,000 patients with male reproductive organs get prostate cancer.2 In addition, prostate cancer is the second-most deadly cancer for patients assigned male at birth across all races and ethnicities.2 Prostate cancer usually occurs in patients aged 65 and older, while cases in those below age 40 are more rare.3 However, survival rates are high for prostate cancer at the localized stage. For all stages of prostate cancer, 96% of patients are still alive five years after diagnosis.1 For men with prostate cancer that has progressed to a distant stage (also known as metastatic prostate cancer), only 34% survive five years after diagnosis.
Treatment options for prostate cancer include surgery, radiation and active surveillance, where the prostate cancer is monitored until there is evidence of cancer progression, at which time treatment may be considered with surgery or radiation.4 About 60% of individuals with low-risk prostate cancer are now managed with active surveillance.5
Best Practices for Communicating About Prostate Cancer
Communicating with Diverse Audiences
Communication-related issues may also play a role in cancer disparities.24 Consider the information most useful to each diverse group (see below for specific messaging and read more on health disparities here). Tailor communication to these populations of focus with messages that also address conditions where these communities live, learn, work and play, as these social determinants of health can impact a wide range of health risks and outcomes. To ensure messages resonate with the coalition’s intended audience, we also recommend referring to the National Networks’ existing resources and adapting messages to reflect individuals with lived experiences.
Prostate Cancer Messages and Graphics
Download All Messages and Graphics How to Post on Social Media
Topics | Suggested Images |
---|---|
Topic: Resources for newly diagnosed patients Patients newly diagnosed with #prostatecancer will have questions—about treatment, symptoms, getting second opinions, and more. This guide from @ZEROCancer can help your patients find answers and peace of mind. https://bit.ly/2D7UsOa #cdc #dcpc #cctprostate | |
Topic: Share information about prostate cancer symptoms Prostate cancer can present differently in many people, while some may not experience symptoms at all. These signs do not always indicate #prostatecancer, but patients experiencing these symptoms should alert their provider and ask if prostate cancer screening is right for them. #cdc #dcpc #cctprostate | |
Topic: Engage patients in creating a survivorship care plan Some patients with #prostatecancer may want to be involved in forming their survivorship care plan and recording their treatment progress. This downloadable care summary and survivorship plan template by @ASCO can help your patients feel empowered and prepared. https://bit.ly/3BefrNg #cdc #dcpc #cctprostate #cancersurvivor | |
Topic: Share prostate cancer resources that patients can use to guide conversations with their providers Before your patients can get the answers they need, they have to know which questions to ask. Share @CDC_Cancer’s prostate health tips, which includes guidelines for a thorough conversation with care providers.https://bit.ly/42nWiEv #cdc #dcpc #cctprostate #prostatecancer | |
Topic: Share information about prostate cancer health disparities for Black patients Not only do Black individuals experience a higher incidence of #prostatecancer, but they also experience higher mortality rates. Be sure to conduct risk assessments for Black individuals, remind them to keep up with screenings and engage them in clinical trials to improve the standard of care. #cdc #dcpc #cctprostate #blackhealth | |
Topic: Share information on family history A family history of #prostatecancer is considered an indicator of greater prostate cancer risk—but what does family history mean? @AmerUrological explains that while there’s no standard definition, several common criteria can be used to determine family history. #cdc #dcpc #cctprostate | |
Topic: Provide education on long-term side effects of treatments Do your patients know what symptoms to expect as a result of #prostatecancer treatments? Talk to your patients and help them manage these symptoms. #cdc #dcpc #cctprostate | |
Topic: Empowering Hispanic parents who are prostate cancer survivors to share information with their children Research shows that Hispanic adolescents and young adults want firsthand information to help them understand their cancer risks, particularly from their parents. Encourage Hispanic #prostatecancer survivors with children to share their experiences with family. #cdc #dcpc #cctprostate #hispaniccancer #hispanichealth | |
Topic: Address fertility risks caused by prostate cancer treatment and provide resources for fertility preservation Treatments for #prostatecancer can affect a patient’s fertility both in the short and long term. It’s important to discuss fertility preservation and family planning options with patients before beginning chemotherapy, radiation, surgery or hormone therapy. #cdc #dcpc #cctprostate #cancerfertility | |
Topic: Promote risk-reducing behaviors and practices Healthy behaviors and diets can decrease the risk of getting #prostatecancer, and they can also improve treatment recovery and lower the chances of cancer recurrence. Share these tips with patients looking for ways to be proactive about their prostate cancer risk. #cdc #dcpc #cctprostate | |
Topic: Tips for caring for LGBTQI+ patients Caring for LGBTQI+ patients requires knowing how to communicate respectfully and making them feel at ease. When engaging patients with #prostatecancer, remember these strategies from the @cancerLGBT for creating a welcoming environment. #cdc #dcpc #cctprostate #lgbtcancer | |
Topic: Tips for caring for transgender patients How you engage transgender patients with #prostatecancer could play a critical role in whether they continue to seek necessary health screenings and treatments. Consider these recommendations for transgender inclusivity from the @cancerLGBT. #cdc #dcpc #cctprostate #lgbtcancer #transhealth | |
Topic: Prostate cancer risks for transgender patients Transgender patients with a prostate gland who have not undergone gender-affirming surgery or gender-affirming hormone therapy have the same #prostatecancer risks as cisgender male patients. Make sure transgender patients are aware of these risks. This @CDC_Cancer guide details factors most linked with prostate cancer incidence. https://tinyurl.com/5592mxb2 #cdc #dcpc #cctprostate #lgbtcancer #transhealth | |
Topic: Support groups for prostate cancer patient and survivors Looking for support groups that can help your patients with #prostatecancer navigate diagnosis, treatment and survivorship? @ThePCRI maintains a list of support resources organized by state.https://bit.ly/41kwYhn #cdc #dcpc #cctprostate | |
Topic: Referring patients to clinical trials Enrolling your patients with #prostatecancer in clinical trials is one of the best ways to continually improve the standard of care. @PCFnews has an active study database that can help you find appropriate trials for your patients. https://bit.ly/3MguKLF #cdc #dcpc #cctprostate #cancertrials | |
Topic: Make providers aware of disparities in risk and treatment for Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Island (AANHPI) patients #DidYouKnow that #AANHPI subgroups have different risk levels for #prostatecancer and differ in rates of treatment and surveillance? Tailoring communications, discussions of risk, and treatment and surveillance outreach according to these disparities could help to improve health outcomes for high-risk patients. #cdc #dcpc #cctprostate #aanhpicancer #aanhpihealth | |
Topic: Policy Systems Environment (PSE) change Healthy eating is an important part of #prostatecancer risk-reduction. However, barriers such as food insecurity may make it challenging to follow healthy habits. Learn how emergency food organizations in @KingCountyWA partnered with public health and university-based partners to increase the amount of nutritious food distributed at food pantries: https://bit.ly/3BNcJyn #cctprostate #cdc #dcpc #healthyeating #PSEchange | |
Topic: Different risk groups for prostate cancer Unlike cancers that are classified by the staging system (Stages 1-4), #prostatecancer uses a risk grouping scheme based on PSA, Gleason score, and tumor stage. @PCFNews recommends using these determinants to identify a patient’s general risk group so you can give more personalized care. #cdc #dcpc #cctprostate |
Download All Messages and Graphics How to Post on Social Media
How to Post on Social Media
Start by downloading the ZIP file above. Then double click the downloaded file to unzip and open the folder. Inside, you’ll find four CSV files.
- Messaging.csv contains captions for all messages in the toolkit, organized by topic.
- Bulk – Instagram.csv contains captions for all Instagram messages, along with graphics URLs that can be used to bulk schedule both text and images.
- Bulk – LinkedIn-Facebook-Twitter.csv contains captions for all LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter messages, along with graphics URLs that can be used to bulk schedule both text and images.
- Bulk – Twitter.csv contains captions for all Twitter messages, along with graphics URLs that can be used to bulk schedule both text and images.
Inside the main folder, you’ll also see two sub-folders containing the messaging graphics for all major platforms. The first folder contains rectangular images suited for use on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. The second folder contains square images suited for Instagram.
Select your platform below for additional instructions.
Prostate Cancer Resources
Resource | Description |
---|---|
ZERO Prostate Cancer | Advancing prostate cancer awareness and working to end health disparities affecting Black patients. ZERO also connects patients and mentors to financial resources, support groups, and educational resources, with some specific to Black patients and LGBTQ+ patients. |
CancerCare Gynecological Cancers Patient Support Group | A free, 15-week support group for patients living with gynecological cancer who are currently in treatment. |
Prostate Cancer Research Institute | Providing science-based data and research to help prostate cancer patients and caregivers gain insight and understanding. |
CancerCare Prostate Cancer Patient Support Group | Offering a free, 15-week virtual support group led by an oncology social worker to help patients connect and cope. |
Urology Care Foundation | Providing information about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and more, in addition to a podcast series for caregivers of people with prostate cancer. |
Prostate Cancer Foundation | Funding research that advances the prevention, detection, and treatment of prostate cancer, as well as providing materials such as patient guides and financial resources. |
Prostate Health Education Network | An organization working to eliminate the disparities African Americans experience in prostate cancer through policy, outreach, and community building. |
Make it Your Own | A tool for helping medical professionals to create tailored health communications with evidence-based messaging and customized images. |
National Cancer Institute | Providing resources for both patients and providers to help them understand prostate cancer, treatments, screenings, and statistics. |
Prostate Cancer Clinical Trials Consortium | An organization dedicated to improving standards of prostate cancer care through process-driven clinical trials. |
National LGBT Cancer Network | Improving the lives of LGBTQ+ cancer survivors through advocacy, education, and training. |
Gay and Lesbian Medical Association | A group dedicated to ensuring health equity for LGBTQ+ people through research, advocacy, and education. GLMA also shares resources for both patients and providers caring for LGBTQ+ people. |
Talk to Nathan | A CDC resource that provides interactive conversations for both patients and providers to help make decisions about prostate cancer screening and/or treatment. |
Florida Prostate Cancer Advisory Council | Reliable source of prostate cancer information that is accessible to patients, advocates, physicians, care providers, researchers and Florida’s governing officials. |
American Urological Association | New guidelines released as of 2023 on Early Detection of Prostate Cancer |
American Urological Association | New guidelines released as of 2023 on Early Detection of Prostate Cancer |
National Comprehensive Cancer Network | New guidelines for clinical management of prostate cancer |
References
- Basic Information About Prostate Cancer. Published 2019. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/prostate/basic_info/index.htm
- U.S. Cancer Statistics Working Group. U.S. Cancer Statistics Data Visualizations Tool, based on 2022 submission data (1999-2020): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Cancer Institute; https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dataviz, released in June 2023.
- Prostate Cancer – Statistics. Cancer.net. Published June 11, 2018. https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/prostate-cancer/statistics
- How Is Prostate Cancer Treated? CDC. Published 2019. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/prostate/basic_info/treatment.htm
- Cooperberg MR, Meeks W, Fang R, Gaylis FD, Catalona WJ, Makarov DV. Time Trends and Variation in the Use of Active Surveillance for Management of Low-risk Prostate Cancer in the US. JAMA Netw Open. 2023;6(3):e231439. Published 2023 Mar 1. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.1439
- Risk Groups and Prostate Cancer. Prostate Cancer Foundation. https://www.pcf.org/about-prostate-cancer/diagnosis-staging-prostate-cancer/risk-groups/
- Wei JT, Barocas D, Carlsson S, et al. Early Detection of Prostate Cancer: AUA/SUO Guideline Part I: Prostate Cancer Screening. Published online April 25, 2023. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/ju.0000000000003491
- Who Is at Risk for Prostate Cancer? CDC. Published 2019. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/prostate/basic_info/risk_factors.htm
- Wei JT, Barocas D, Carlsson S, et al. Early detection of prostate cancer: AUA/SUO guideline part I: prostate cancer screening. J Urol. 2023;210(1):45-53.
- Stossel LM, Segar N, Gliatto P, Fallar R, Karani R. Readability of patient education materials available at the point of care. J Gen Intern Med. 2012;27(9):1165-1170. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007%2Fs11606-012-2046-0
- MacLeod, S., Musich, S., Gulyas, S., Cheng, Y., Tkatch, R., Cempellin, D., Bhattarai, G., Hawkins, K., & Yeh, C. (2017). The impact of inadequate health literacy on patient satisfaction, healthcare utilization, and expenditures among older adults. Geriatric Nursing (New York), 38(4), 334–341. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gerinurse.2016.12.003
- Rikard RV, Thompson MS, McKinney J, Beauchamp A. Examining health literacy disparities in the United States: a third look at the National Assessment of Adult Literacy (NAAL). BMC public health. 2016;16(1):975-975. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-016-3621-9
- Vapiwala N, Miller D, Laventure B, et al. Stigma, beliefs and perceptions regarding prostate cancer among Black and Latino men and women. BMC public health. 2021;21(1):758-11. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-10793-x. Accessed May 4, 2023.
- Weir HK, Thompson TD, Stewart SL, White MC. Cancer Incidence Projections in the United States Between 2015 and 2050. Prev Chronic Dis 2021;18:210006. http://dx.doi.org/10.5888/pcd18.210006
- Pettersson A, Kasperzyk JL, Kenfield SA, et al. Milk and Dairy Consumption among Men with Prostate Cancer and Risk of Metastases and Prostate Cancer Death. Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention. 2012;21(3):428-436. doi:https://doi.org/10.1158/1055-9965.epi-11-1004
- Skolarus TA, Wolf AMD, Erb NL, et al. American Cancer Society prostate cancer survivorship care guidelines. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. 2014;64(4):225-249. doi:https://doi.org/10.3322/caac.21234
- What Are the Benefits and Harms of Screening for Prostate Cancer? Published 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/prostate/basic_info/benefits-harms.htm
- Bhuyan SS, Chandak A, Gupta N, et al. Patient-provider communication about prostate cancer screening and treatment: New evidence from the Health Information National Trends Survey. Am J Mens Health. 2017;11(1):134-146. https://doi.org/10.1177%2F1557988315614082
- Male Fertility – Urology Care Foundation. www.urologyhealth.org. https://www.urologyhealth.org/healthy-living/urologyhealth-extra/magazine-archives/winter-2015/male-fertility
- How Cancer and Cancer Treatment Can Affect Fertility in Males. www.cancer.org. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/side-effects/fertility-and-sexual-side-effects/fertility-and-men-with-can…
- Narayan V, Harrison M, Cheng H, et al. Improving research for prostate cancer survivorship: A statement from the Survivorship Research in Prostate Cancer (SuRECaP) working group. Urologic Oncology: Seminars and Original Investigations. 2020;38(3):83-93. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.urolonc.2019.10.006
- Olsen TA, Filson CP, Richards TB, Ekwueme DU, Howard DH. The Cost of Metastatic Prostate Cancer in the United States. Urology Practice. 2023;10(1):41-47. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/upj.0000000000000363
- Harrop JP, Dean JA, Paskett ED. Cancer Survivorship Research: A Review of the Literature and Summary of Current NCI-Designated Cancer Center Projects. Cancer epidemiology, biomarkers & prevention : a publication of the American Association for Cancer Research, cosponsored by the American Society of Preventive Oncology. 2011;20(10):2042-2047. doi:https://doi.org/10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-11-0673
- White-Means SI, Osmani AR. Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Patient-Provider Communication With Breast Cancer Patients: Evidence From 2011 MEPS and Experiences With Cancer Supplement. INQUIRY: The Journal of Health Care Organization, Provision, and Financing. 2017;54. doi:10.1177/0046958017727104
- Ayhan CHB, Bilgin H, Uluman OT, Sukut O, Yilmaz S, Buzlu S. A Systematic Review of the Discrimination Against Sexual and Gender Minority in Health Care Settings. International Journal of Health Services. 2020;50(1):44-61. doi:10.1177/0020731419885093
- Bertoncelli Tanaka M, Sahota K, Burn J, et al. Prostate cancer in transgender women: what does a urologist need to know?. BJU Int. 2022;129(1):113-122. doi:10.1111/bju.15521
- Simon Rosser BR, Merengwa E, Capistrant BD, et al. Prostate Cancer in Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Review. LGBT Health. 2016;3(1):32-41. doi:https://doi.org/10.1089/lgbt.2015.0092
- Hicks EM, Litwin MS, Maliski SL. Latino Men and Familial Risk Communication about Prostate Cancer. Oncology nursing forum. 2014;41(5):509-516. doi:https://doi.org/10.1188/14.ONF.509-516
- Vidal AC, Oyekunle T, Feng T, et al. Asian Race and Risk of Prostate Cancer: Results from the REDUCE Study. Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Biomarkers. 2020;29(11):2165-2170. doi:https://doi.org/10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-20-0646
- Jain B, Ng K, Santos PMG, et al. Prostate Cancer Disparities in Risk Group at Presentation and Access to Treatment for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders: A Study With Disaggregated Ethnic Groups. JCO Oncology Practice. 2022;18(1):e204-e218. doi:https://doi.org/10.1200/op.21.00412
- Chu CE, Leapman MS, Zhao S, Cowan JE, Washington SL, Cooperberg MR. Prostate cancer disparities among American Indians and Alaskan Natives in the United States. JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute. 2023;115(4):413-420. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/jnci/djad002
- Should I Get Screened for Prostate Cancer? Published 2019. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/prostate/basic_info/get-screened.htm