National Prostate Health Month
September observance promoting prostate health and cancer awareness.
Every September, National Prostate Health Month—also referred to as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month—is marked across North America by healthcare professionals, advocacy groups, and people focused on men’s prostate health and prostate cancer. The observance is designed to raise public awareness about prostate health and prostate cancer, make screenings more accessible, inform people about risk factors and symptoms, and push for more research into prostate health issues and prostate cancer.
The month was first designated in 1999 by the American Foundation for Urological Disease (now the Urology Care Foundation). Originally, the focus was narrower, aimed mainly at improving public knowledge of prostate health. In 2001, Senate Resolution 138, sponsored by Senator Conrad Burns of Montana, designated September 17–23, 2001, as 'National Prostate Cancer Awareness Week' but did not affirm an annual month observance. A 2003 presidential proclamation from George W. Bush voiced support but specifically named it “National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.” The Obama administration also designated September 2015 as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.
Related observances began earlier: in 1989, the week of September 17 to 24 was chosen as Prostate Cancer Awareness Week. After NPHM was created, September came to include other health weeks: Prostatitis Awareness Week runs from September 10 to 16, and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Awareness Week runs from September 24 to 30. Not all men’s health issues fall in September—Testicular Cancer Awareness Week is observed from April 1 to 7.
During National Prostate Health Month, organizations such as oncology funds, health systems, medical centers, and nonprofits like Men’s Health Network sponsor events. Free screenings for prostate-related diseases are offered at hospitals, health centers, and workplaces. Physicians receive information on how to use the month to remind patients about prostate health. The Prostate Cancer Education Council leverages sports to spread awareness—NFL teams dedicate home games to prostate cancer awareness, and golf tournaments and 5k races distribute educational materials to participants in exchange for prizes.
- Observed
- September annually
- First designated
- 1999
- Designating organization
- American Foundation for Urological Disease (AFUD), now Urology Care Foundation
- Senate resolution
- Senate Resolution 138 (2001), sponsored by Sen. Conrad Burns (R-MT), designated September 17–23, 2001, as 'National Prostate Cancer Awareness Week' (not an annual month)
- Presidential proclamation
- 2003 by President George W. Bush (as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month)
- Obama administration designation
- September 2015 as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Lore & Background
September was first designated National Prostate Health Month by the American Foundation for Urological Disease (AFUD) in 1999. AFUD is now known as the Urology Care Foundation. Originally the aims of observing NPHM were more proscribed, concentrating on making the public better informed about prostate health issues. In 2001, Senate Resolution 138 sponsored by Sen. Conrad Burns (R-MT) designated September 17–23, 2001, as 'National Prostate Cancer Awareness Week' and did not affirm an annual month observance. In a 2003 presidential proclamation, President George W. Bush voiced his support for the month, but instead of designating the month to be for prostate health in general, specifically named the month 'National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month'. September 2015 was designated National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month by the Obama administration.
Reader's Guide
National Prostate Health Month serves as a focal point for public education, screening, and advocacy regarding prostate health and prostate cancer. Its significance lies in coordinating efforts among health experts, advocates, and organizations to increase awareness and early detection. The month incorporates related observances: Prostatitis Awareness Week (September 10–16), Prostate Cancer Awareness Week (September 17–24), and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Awareness Week (September 24–30). Events include free screenings at hospitals, health centers, and workplaces; informational mailings to physicians; and sports-related campaigns such as NFL home games dedicated to prostate cancer awareness, golf tournaments, and 5k races that distribute educational materials. The legacy of NPHM is its role in institutionalizing a dedicated period for men's prostate health, supported by congressional and presidential endorsements, and its evolution from a general prostate health focus to a specific cancer awareness designation.
Did You Know?
- President George W. Bush's 2003 proclamation named the month 'National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month' rather than prostate health in general.
- Prostatitis Awareness Week is observed from September 10 to September 16.
- Testicular Cancer Awareness Week is celebrated during the week of April 1 to April 7, not in September.
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