National Prostate Health Month, also known as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, occurs every September in North America.

Established in 1999, the awareness month gives health experts, health advocates, and people concerned with or affected by prostate health and prostate cancer a chance to share important information about the condition.

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). In fact, the ACS estimates that 1 in 41 men will die from prostate cancer and predicts that about 268,490 new cases of prostate cancer will occur in 2022.

Building awareness for prostate cancer and getting regular screenings can drive research, encourage people with a prostate to sign up for clinical trials, and potentially save lives.

Yet figuring out how to get involved in an awareness month can sometimes be difficult, especially with so many options to choose from.

Here are nine ways you can get involved this September to drive awareness for prostate cancer.

Social media is one of the best ways to bring attention to important issues.

Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, and TikTok help us connect with people and communities around the world in a matter of seconds.

By adding a prostate cancer hashtag to your social media posts, you can potentially help millions of people engage with your post and see crucial information about the disease.

These are popular hashtags used around the world to drive awareness for prostate cancer:

  • #prostatecancer
  • #menshealth
  • #urology
  • #peaceoutprostatecancer
  • #PCSM
  • #PSMA

The Prostate Cancer Foundation estimates that 30 percent of cancer is preventable with lifestyle factors, such as exercising and eating a balanced, plant-based diet low in sugar.

That’s why the foundation encourages showing support for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month with a 30-day eating challenge, called #EatItToBeatIt.

#EatItToBeatIt encourages participants to eat 30 healthy foods in 30 days. You can follow 30 suggested foods or choose your own 30 foods. This free challenge aims to help people learn how lifestyle factors influence prostate cancer outlook.

Some participants also start a fundraiser to go with their challenge. This encourages others to support their mission and also get involved in raising awareness for prostate cancer.

Every mile you run may be able to fund cancer research, which can potentially save lives.

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month has races nationwide that raise money for prostate cancer. To get involved, consider signing up for a local 5K or 10K specifically geared towards prostate cancer awareness or cancer research.

You can even create or wear T-shirts for the race that advocate for prostate cancer awareness.

The Prostate Cancer Foundation has pledged to send 50 free copies of “Things Every Man Should Know,” a guide to prostate cancer and statistics, to anyone who is interested.

You can register to receive a free electronic PDF of the guide or 50 physical guides mailed free. You can print and distribute them throughout your place of work to provide colleagues with information on prostate cancer.

Health organizations and advocates often host events during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. These can include anything from dinner fundraisers and galas to charity games.

To find an event near you, search for “prostate cancer awareness month events” on Google or visit ZERO, a foundation that aims to end prostate cancer and holds events nationwide. You can also check with local hospitals and health organizations.

With many events going virtual, you may also be able to find one that you can join online from the comfort of your own home.

People who have the financial means to donate can consider giving money during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

Donations are essential to funding research and clinical trials, which are used to develop new treatments for prostate cancer and improve outlook or quality of life.

You can donate to a cancer society, prostate cancer research foundation, or to a hospital.

Getting screened for prostate cancer is one of the best ways men can show support in September — and beyond. It’s a great way to take care of your own health while also inspiring other people with a prostate to do the same.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages men who are 55 to 69 years old to consider prostate screening. The recommendation applies to people who:

  • are at average or increased risk for prostate cancer
  • do not have symptoms of prostate cancer
  • have never been diagnosed with prostate cancer

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is a good time to consider joining a prostate cancer support group, which can be helpful for both caregivers and people diagnosed with the condition.

You may be able to find a support group at your local hospital or on Facebook. You can also check this list of support groups provided by the Prostate Cancer Foundation.

Awareness months can be incredibly beneficial, but they can also be taxing.

Managing prostate cancer, advocating for prostate cancer, or caring for someone with prostate cancer may be an emotional experience.

If you’re finding yourself overwhelmed with Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, events, social media, and more, it’s OK to take a step back and focus on yourself. Self-care is important too.

Raising awareness for prostate cancer is one of the best ways to help people learn about signs, symptoms, and preventive screening. It also helps build communities and foster connections.

Though Prostate Cancer Awareness Month takes place in September, you can still get involved year-round and participate in events, fundraisers, support groups, and more.