Pints for Prostates offers both men and women the chance to become more knowledgeable about prostate health. Also, beer!
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I’ve written before about the complications surrounding prostate cancer screening and why you definitely want to be aware of screening and treatment options. But it’s not all doom and gloom! There are some cool organizations getting the word out–and having fun while they’re at it.
Pints for Prostates, for example, asks an important question: What’s the best way to get a guy’s attention? In a word: BEER. This grassroots campaign, started by beer writer and prostate cancer survivor Rick Lyke in 2008, gets the word out about prostate cancer by hosting beer events, social networking, and pro bono advertising. It’s all run by volunteers, and it’s bringing people together across the country to inform and educate.
To host their events, Pints for Prostates partners with healthcare providers, brewers, restaurants, retail stores, and beer industry groups. They not only advocate making informed decisions about prostate cancer screening and treatment, but also being transparent about their own fundraising. They’ve hit the streets in Seattle, WA; Portsmouth, NH; St. Paul, MN; and Sarasota, FL to spread the word.
Why focus on prostate cancer? According to the CDC, prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer among American men. It can be especially tricky because not all sufferers actually show symptoms.
Just to complicate matters further, there are plenty of changes to the body—and the prostate in particular—that are a natural part of aging versus a sign of impending cancer. For example, as you get older, your prostate tends to increase in size, which can cause the urethra to narrow and decrease urine flow. But decreased urine flow can also be a symptom of prostate cancer.
Still, if you’re experiencing any of these, you’ll want to talk to your doctor right away:
- Difficulty starting urination
- Weak or interrupted urine flow
- Frequent urination, particularly at night
- Difficulty emptying your bladder completely
- Pain during urination
- Blood in your urine or semen
- Consistent pain in your back, hips, or pelvis
- Painful ejaculation
In short, it’s always good to be knowledgeable about your own body and potential signs of disease. And if you’re lucky enough to participate in a Pints for Prostates event, you can even have a beer and chat with friends while you’re at it!