Report on Prostate Cancer Awareness and the Role of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction

On June 26, 2025, the television series “And Just Like That” featured a storyline revealing the character Harry Goldenblatt’s diagnosis with prostate cancer. This report emphasizes the importance of awareness, early detection, and prevention of prostate cancer, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.

Understanding Prostate Cancer

Definition and Function of the Prostate

Prostate cancer occurs when cells in the prostate gland grow uncontrollably. The prostate is a small, walnut-shaped gland located below the bladder and in front of the rectum in men. It plays a crucial role in the male reproductive system by producing fluid that nourishes and protects sperm and helps regulate urine flow.

Relevance to SDG 3

• Promoting awareness and education about prostate cancer supports SDG 3 by improving health outcomes and reducing mortality.
• Encouraging early diagnosis and treatment aligns with the goal of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages.

Risk Factors and Vulnerable Populations

Who is at Risk?

1. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among American men, with risk increasing significantly after age 50.
2. Men over 65 represent approximately 60% of diagnosed cases.
3. Black men face disproportionate risks, being 1.8 times more likely to be diagnosed and 2.4 times more likely to die from prostate cancer compared to white men.
4. Other risk factors include family history, genetic mutations, diet, obesity, smoking, sexually transmitted infections, and chemical exposures.

Addressing Health Inequalities (SDG 10)

• Reducing disparities in prostate cancer diagnosis and mortality among racial groups supports SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.
• Targeted interventions and equitable healthcare access are essential to address these disparities.

Early Detection and Diagnosis

Screening and Symptoms

• Prostate cancer often presents no symptoms in early stages.
• Possible symptoms include difficulty starting urination, frequent urination, pain or burning during urination, and blood in urine or semen.
• Advanced stages may cause involuntary urine leakage, back or bone pain, weakness, erectile dysfunction, and unexplained weight loss or fatigue.
• Routine screening, typically via a simple blood test (PSA test), is critical for early detection.

Recommendations for Screening

1. Men should begin prostate cancer screening around age 50.
2. Black men and those with a family history should start screening at age 40.

Contribution to SDG 3

• Routine screenings and early diagnosis contribute to reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases.
• Health education campaigns can empower men to seek timely medical advice.

Treatment Outcomes and Survival Rates

Survival Statistics

• When detected early (local or regional stage), prostate cancer has a nearly 100% five-year survival rate.
• Approximately 80-85% of cases are diagnosed at these stages.
• Survival rates drop to 28% if cancer spreads to distant parts of the body.

Importance of Early Intervention

The significant difference in survival rates underscores the critical importance of early detection and treatment, which aligns with SDG 3 targets to reduce mortality from cancer and other diseases.

Implications for Public Health and Sustainable Development

Raising Awareness and Education

• Media portrayals, such as the storyline in “And Just Like That,” can raise public awareness about prostate cancer.
• Accurate representation of disease progression and symptoms is essential to inform and educate the public effectively.

Promoting Equitable Healthcare Access

• Efforts must focus on reducing disparities in diagnosis and treatment among different demographic groups.
• Supporting universal health coverage and affordable screening services contributes to SDG 3 and SDG 10.

Encouraging Healthy Lifestyles

• Addressing modifiable risk factors such as obesity, smoking, and diet supports SDG 3 and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
• Community health programs can promote preventive measures and healthier living.

Conclusion

Prostate cancer remains a significant health challenge, particularly for aging men and vulnerable populations. Aligning prostate cancer awareness, early detection, and treatment efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals enhances global health outcomes and promotes equity. Routine screenings, public education, and targeted interventions are vital strategies to reduce the burden of prostate cancer and improve survival rates.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article focuses on prostate cancer awareness, diagnosis, risk factors, and survival rates, directly relating to health and well-being.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The article highlights disparities in prostate cancer incidence and mortality among Black men compared to white men, connecting to reducing health inequalities.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.
   • Target 3.c: Substantially increase health financing and recruitment, development, training, and retention of the health workforce in developing countries.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

1. Incidence Rate of Prostate Cancer
   • The article states “1 in 8 American men diagnosed,” and estimates 314,000 new cases in 2025 in the US, indicating the use of incidence rates as an indicator.
2. Mortality Rate from Prostate Cancer
   • It mentions 35,800 expected deaths in 2025 and that Black men are 2.4 times more likely to die from the disease, implying mortality rates as an indicator.
3. Survival Rate
   • The article provides five-year survival rates: nearly 100% for localized/regional cancer and 28% for distant spread, indicating survival rate as a key indicator.
4. Screening Coverage
   • Discussion on routine screening and recommendations for men starting at age 50 (or 40 for high-risk groups) implies screening coverage as an indicator.
5. Health Disparities
   • Disproportionate impact on Black men implies measurement of health disparities as an indicator under SDG 10.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: nypost.com