Desert Regional doctor highlights prostate cancer screening during Awareness Month

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) - September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and doctors at Desert Regional Medical Center are encouraging men to talk with their health care providers about their individual risk and screening options.

The American Cancer Society estimates 333,830 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2026.

Dr. Lavaf with Desert Regional says early detection is an important part of prostate cancer care, and newer imaging and detection tools are giving doctors more information when evaluating patients.

Treatment options vary depending on the individual patient and the cancer and can include active surveillance, surgery, radiation and medications.

Doctors say men should talk with their health care provider about when screening may be appropriate based on their age, family history and other risk factors.

Stay with News Channel 3 for the latest updates.