As men age, their risk of prostate cancer increases. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men and is a leading cause of death from cancer. If you have a loved one who is over 50 or has a family history of prostate cancer, it’s important to have a conversation with them about screening and prevention.
Here are some tips for talking to your loved ones about prostate cancer:
1. Start the conversation.
It can be difficult to bring up a topic like cancer, but it’s important to start the conversation. You can say something like, “I was reading about prostate cancer and I wanted to talk to you about it.”
2. Be calm and reassuring.
Your loved one may be scared or resistant to talking about cancer. Be calm and reassuring and let them know that you’re there to support them.
3. Know the facts.
Arm yourself with information about prostate cancer so you can answer any questions your loved one may have. Explain the importance of early detection and the different screening options available.
4. Be sensitive to their feelings.
Cancer can be a scary and emotional topic. Be sensitive to your loved one’s feelings and let them know that you understand how they’re feeling.
5. Encourage them to talk to their doctor.
Ultimately, it’s important for your loved one to talk to their doctor about prostate cancer. Encourage them to schedule a screening and to follow their doctor’s recommendations.
The conversation about prostate cancer may not be easy, but it’s an important one to have. By being informed, supportive, and sensitive to your loved one’s feelings, you can help them take steps to prevent and detect prostate cancer early.
