Welcome to National Prostate Awareness Month in our little corner of fandom!
We have a charity challenge that we’re issuing, but first…what IS a prostate, what does it do, and why does it matter?
The word prostate comes from Ancient Greek προστάτης, prostátēs, meaning "one who stands before", "protector", "guardian". The prostate is a small, soft organ. On average, it is roughly the size of a walnut or a ping-pong ball.
The prostate has various functions. The most important is producing seminal fluid, a fluid that is a component of semen. It also plays a role in hormone production and helps regulate urine flow.
All men are at risk for prostate cancer, but African-American men are more likely to get prostate cancer than other men. The most common risk factor is age. The older a man is, the greater the chance of getting prostate cancer.
Green, leafy vegetables are a good first step toward a healthy prostate. These vegetables are full of important vitamins and antioxidants. Too little sun exposure can actually increase your risk of getting prostate cancer. And you should consider getting screened for prostate cancer starting at age 40.
THE CHALLENGES