Cancer Screening Connection · September 2026 · Volume 3
Improving Cancer Screening Across Health Centers
Partnering to strengthen cancer screening in health centers.
Welcome
Welcome to the September issue of Cancer Screening Connection! As Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is observed in September, it is a timely opportunity to focus on informed conversations and early detection. This month, we highlight ways health centers can reinforce prostate cancer awareness and support screening discussions.
Featured Article
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month: Increasing Access and Supporting Early Detection
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, a timely opportunity to support informed conversations about prostate cancer risk, screening, and follow-up care. Aside from non-melanoma skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the United States. About 13 out of every 100 American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. Age and family history are among the factors that can increase a person’s risk.
Focus on Risk and Informed Decisions
Prostate cancer screening is not a one-size-fits-all decision. The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test can help find prostate cancer early, but screening also has potential benefits and limitations that patients should understand before deciding whether testing is right for them.
The American Cancer Society recommends that men have an opportunity to make an informed decision with their healthcare provider about prostate cancer screening, with conversations generally beginning at age 50 for average risk, age 45 for higher risk—including African American men and men with a father or brother diagnosed before age 65—and age 40 for men with more than one first-degree relative diagnosed at an early age.
Reinforce Opportunities for Early Detection
- Strengthen risk-informed conversations: Encourage patients to know their family history and discuss individual risk with their healthcare provider.
- Share clear, trusted information: Provide evidence-based resources that support informed decisions.
- Support timely next steps: Reinforce processes for diagnostic evaluation and specialty care.
- Extend awareness beyond the exam room: Share consistent information through patient portals, newsletters, community outreach, and partner networks.
Turn Awareness into Action
This September, use Prostate Cancer Awareness Month to strengthen informed screening conversations and timely follow-up. Share trusted resources with care teams and patients and encourage conversations about individual risk and when screening may be appropriate.
Resources
- CDC: Prostate Cancer Risk Factors
- American Cancer Society: Recommendations for Prostate Cancer Early Detection
- Key Statistics for Prostate Cancer
- U.S. Cancer Statistics: Prostate Cancer Stat Bite
Could Your Health Center Benefit from Free Technical Assistance?
Free, customized technical assistance is available to HRSA-funded health centers looking to strengthen cancer screening efforts, improve workflows, and increase timely screening and follow-up care.
Upcoming Learning Opportunities
September 29, 2026 · 3:00–4:00 p.m. ET
Going Beyond “Grade C”: An Updated Rubric for Prostate Cancer Screening in the Primary Care Setting
September 30, 2026 · 12:00–1:00 p.m. ET
Community of Practice: Clinical Workflows and AI: Practical Adoption in Health Centers
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