Early Detection Key to Beating Prostate Cancer
Cartersville, Ga. (September 10, 2026) – Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men, but when detected early, it is also one of the most treatable. During Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Piedmont Cartersville is encouraging men to talk with their health care providers about screening and understand their individual risk factors.
According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among men in the United States. However, most prostate cancers found at an early stage can be treated successfully, making routine screening and conversations with a physician especially important.
“Prostate cancer often develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages, which is why screening can be so valuable,” said Anuj Desai, M.D., a urologist at Georgia Urology Piedmont in Cartersville. “When prostate cancer is detected early, treatment outcomes are excellent and survival rates are very high.”
Experts recommend that men discuss prostate cancer screening with their physician beginning around age 50. Men at higher risk, including African American men and those with a family history of prostate cancer, may benefit from starting those conversations earlier.
One of the most common screening tools is a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, which measures levels of a protein produced by the prostate gland. Elevated PSA levels do not necessarily mean cancer is present, but they can indicate the need for additional evaluation.
“Screening decisions should be individualized,” Dr. Desai said. “Your doctor can help determine the best approach based on your age, health history and risk factors.”
For patients diagnosed with low-risk disease, active surveillance may be an option, allowing physicians to closely monitor the cancer before recommending treatment.
In addition to routine checkups, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can support prostate health. Staying physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, drinking plenty of fluids and reporting changes in urinary habits can help individuals stay on top of their health.
“Being proactive about your health can make a significant difference,” Dr. Desai added. “The earlier concerns are identified, the more options patients typically have.”
To schedule an appointment with a Piedmont primary care provider, visit Piedmont.org.
About Piedmont
Piedmont is empowering Georgians by changing health care. We continue to fuel Georgia’s growth through safe, cost-effective, high-quality care close to home through an integrated health care system that provides a hassle-free, unified experience. We are a private, not-for-profit organization that for centuries has sought to make a positive difference in every life we touch in the communities we serve. Across our 2,000 physical locations we care for more than 4.5 million patients and serve communities that comprise 85 percent of Georgia’s population. This includes 28 hospitals, 122 immediate care locations, 1,875 Piedmont Clinic physician practices and more than 3,900 Piedmont Clinic members. Our patients conveniently engage with Piedmont online, as they scheduled more than 657,000 online appointments and over 239,000 virtual visits. With more than 50,000 care givers we are the largest Georgia-based private employer of Georgians, who all came for the job, but stayed for the people. In 2024 and 2023, Piedmont has earned recognition from Newsweek as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity and also as one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Women. In 2022, Forbes ranked Piedmont on its list of the Best Large Employers in the United States. Piedmont provided more than $844 million in community impact in Fiscal Year 2025.
For more information, or to book your next appointment, visit piedmont.org.
