September is a time to elevate awareness around blood, gynecologic and prostate cancers
The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, along with cancer centers and other organizations across the nation, recognizes and promotes awareness of three cancer types during September. These cancer types are:
- Blood Cancer
- Gynecologic Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
Blood Cancer Awareness Month
Blood cancers include leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. They occur in blood-forming cells, the bone marrow and the lymphatic system, which is a part of the immune system. According to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, someone is diagnosed with a blood cancer every three minutes in the U.S. In 2024, the American Cancer Society estimates that just over 89,100 people will be diagnosed with lymphoma, 62,700 with leukemia and another 35,700 people will be diagnosed with myeloma.
There are many kinds of blood cancers, and symptoms and treatments vary for each. At Karmanos, blood cancers are treated by the Hematology Oncology and Multiple Myeloma and Amyloidosis Multidisciplinary Teams, which focuses solely on these types of cancer. For more information about blood cancer, visit karmanos.org.
Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month
Gynecologic cancers affect the female reproductive system. There are many forms of gynecologic cancers, including cervical, endometrial (uterine), ovarian, vaginal and vulvar. Each has its own signs, symptoms, risk factors and occurrence rates, with ovarian cancer being the most common and vaginal cancer being the rarest among the five.
There are many specific forms of cancer within each type, making it imperative to be treated by a cancer specialist who is fully focused on gynecologic cancers. At Karmanos, patients diagnosed with gynecologic cancer are treated by specialists on the Gynecologic Oncology Multidisciplinary Team. For more information about gynecologic cancer, visit karmanos.org.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
In the male anatomy, the prostate is a walnut-sized organ located behind the bladder. Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer that affects the male reproductive system. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2024, roughly 299,000 new cases of prostate cancer will occur. African American men (45 and older), males 50 and older, those with a high-fat diet and those with a family history of prostate cancer are at an increased risk. Early-stage prostate cancer usually does not have symptoms. Men with symptoms usually experience trouble with urination.
At Karmanos, prostate cancer is treated by specialists on the Genitourinary Oncology Multidisciplinary Team. For more information about prostate cancer, visit karmanos.org/prostatefacts.
Specialized Care at Karmanos
If you have been diagnosed with or believe you may have blood, gynecologic, or prostate cancer, it is important to be seen by a team of specialists who focus solely on your type of cancer. At Karmanos Cancer Institute, our multidisciplinary teams include oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, surgeons, pharmacists, specialized nurse practitioners, dietitians, social workers and genetic counselors. These teams share their collective expertise to offer care options for each patient, giving you the power to optimize your cancer treatment and receive outstanding care that suits your lifestyle and provides your best chance in the fight against cancer.
Additionally, Karmanos is home to one of the most robust clinical trials programs in the country, giving patients throughout the Karmanos Cancer Network access to new cancer treatments. Available clinical trials offer patients interventions that are on the very cutting edge of development as the primary method used by researchers to create new, life-saving cancer treatments. Our patients have access to hundreds of promising new cancer treatments, many of which are only available at Karmanos. Through clinical trials, Karmanos is creating new knowledge about how therapies fight cancer and is a national leader in testing these new therapies.
To learn more about the life-saving innovations and treatments available at Karmanos Cancer Institute, or to schedule an appointment, visit karmanos.org or call 1-800-KARMANOS (800-527-6266).