Houston Methodist West Calls on West Houston and Katy Men to Break the Silence on Prostate Cancer
For too many families, the first conversation about prostate health happens only after a diagnosis. This September, Houston Methodist West Hospital is urging men across Katy and West Houston to change that pattern during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month—because silence can be deadly.
According to Houston Methodist West, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among American men, and 1 in 8 men will face a diagnosis in their lifetime. While the disease disproportionately affects men over 65, younger men are not immune. Doctors say they are now seeing more cases in men in their 40s and 50s.
National estimates reinforce that reality. The American Cancer Society’s Cancer Facts & Figures 2025 projects that 313,780 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year, and 35,770 are expected to die from the disease. Data from the CDC shows that Black men face an even harsher reality, with mortality rates more than double those of other racial and ethnic groups—making early screening and proactive conversations especially critical.
“Detecting the disease early gives patients the best chance and reduces the chance of the cancer spreading,” explained Dr. David Mobley, urologist at Houston Methodist West. “Early detection also opens the door to utilize many noninvasive care options like HIFU, high-intensity focused ultrasound, which can effectively eliminate cancer cells without radiation or incisions. The treatment also has minimal side effects, allowing patients to recover more quickly and resume their normal lives”.
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The Quiet Nature of a Dangerous Disease
One of the biggest challenges with prostate cancer is its silence. In early stages, there are often no symptoms. By the time warning signs appear—urinary changes, blood in urine or semen, persistent pelvic or back pain—the disease may already be advanced. That’s why Houston Methodist West stresses the importance of proactive screening through the PSA blood test.
Screenings not only detect the disease earlier, they also give patients more options. For some men, aggressive treatment may not be necessary. Active surveillance, or careful monitoring, can be a safe path when the cancer is slow-growing. But without early detection, that choice is taken away.
A Family Conversation, Not Just a Medical One
Houston Methodist West is calling on the community to make prostate health a topic of conversation in homes, churches, and workplaces. In many families, health issues—especially ones that feel personal or uncomfortable—are rarely discussed until they become urgent. But doctors stress that family history is one of the most important risk factors.
By simply talking about it, families can uncover patterns, encourage one another to schedule screenings, and break through the stigma that too often keeps men silent.
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Five Steps from Houston Methodist West for Better Prostate Health
- Know your risks. Age, race, family history, diet, and lifestyle all matter.
- Make screenings a priority. PSA tests are quick, safe, and effective.
- Adopt a healthier lifestyle. A balanced diet and regular exercise can help lower risk.
- Pay attention to your body. Don’t ignore changes in urinary habits, unexplained pain, or blood in urine or semen.
- Encourage awareness. Talk to loved ones and make prostate health a shared concern.
More Than Awareness, It’s a Call to Action
For Houston Methodist West, this month is about more than raising awareness. It’s about empowering men and their families in West Houston to take real steps—through screenings, open conversations, and preventive care—that could change the trajectory of their lives.
Men in Katy and West Houston who have questions about screenings or prostate health can find more information through Houston Methodist West Hospital.
Because when it comes to prostate cancer, waiting is risky. Talking about it—and acting on it—may be the most important step a man can take for himself and his loved ones.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
