September 2024: Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

WHEREAS, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men in the United States; and,

WHEREAS, the American Cancer Society estimates 299,010 cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed and 35,250 men will die from the disease nationwide in 2024, including 10,480 new cases and 1,130 deaths in Michigan; and,

WHEREAS, 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Black men are 1.7 times more likely to develop prostate cancer and are 2.1 times more likely to die from the disease than white men; and,

WHEREAS, we raise awareness of prostate cancer to promote education, prevention, and treatment, and provide support to those who suffer from the disease, and,

WHEREAS, all men are at risk for prostate cancer, and we encourage men to talk with their healthcare providers about the benefits and harms of different screening options. Men should discuss their individual risk factors and screening recommendations with their healthcare providers to determine the most appropriate approach; and,

WHEREAS, educating Michigan men and their families about healthy lifestyles, disease prevention, and early detection, and providing access to quality health care will greatly reduce health disparities and mortality rates for Michigan men; and,

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim September 2024 as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in Michigan.