​Know Your Score campaign launches.​

During Prostate Cancer Awareness Month this September, the American Cancer Society is raising awareness about the importance of timely prostate cancer screening. Leading with a sports-focused message to men to “Know Your Score”, the integrated campaign seeks to motivate men to ask a doctor about prostate cancer screening.

Our MVP Survivor, Thanks to Screening

Former National Basketball Association (NBA) player and Basketball Hall of Famer Alonzo Mourning, pictured above, will be featured in this year’s campaign. Alonzo was diagnosed with stage III prostate cancer early in 2024. He had surgery in March 2024 and is now cancer free. He is determined to advocate for men to ask a doctor about prostate cancer screening.

Here's what you should know: 

• Cancer screening is for people without symptoms. Prostate cancer screening can help find cancer early, when it may be easier to treat.  
• The number of advanced stage prostate cancer diagnoses is increasing, after decades of decline.
• At age 50, men at average risk should talk to a health care provider about prostate cancer screening. Men at increased risk of developing cancer should have that conversation earlier than age 50. (Prostate Cancer Screening Guidelines)
• Studies show that nearly 2/3 of men age 55 – 69 are not being screened for prostate cancer.
• In 2024, an estimated 299,010 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in the US and 35,250 men will die from the disease. 
• The incidence of prostate cancer is about 70% higher in Black men than in White men for reasons that remain unclear.
• Prostate cancer has the greatest mortality disparities of any cancer.
• Black men have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer. They are also more likely to be diagnosed at an advanced stage and have a higher mortality rate compared to other racial and ethnic groups.

Call to Action: Visit cancer.org/getscreened to learn more and find a screening location near you.

Here’s what you can do: 

• Visit http://cancer.org/getscreened to learn more about prostate cancer screening and check out the video from Alonzo Mourning!
• Amplify social content on the ACS brand channels featuring prostate cancer awareness and screening messages.

ACS IMPACT Initiative 

ACS is addressing and hoping to reverse these trends with its IMPACT initiative – Improving Mortality from Prostate Cancer Together. By leveraging our strengths across our mission pillars (discovery, patient support, and advocacy) and our efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, we will ensure everyone has the same opportunity to be healthy and cancer-free.

Black men have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer. They are also more likely to be diagnosed at an advanced stage and have a higher mortality rate compared to other racial and ethnic groups.

Prostate Cancer Roundtable in September

The ACS will launch the National Prostate Cancer Roundtable (NPCRT) on Sept. 5 in Washington, D.C. The NPCRT joins the other six roundtables led by the American Cancer Society. Stay tuned to ACS2Go for upcoming details.