This Movember, DeTar Encourages Crossroads Men to Take Charge of Their Health

11/3/2026

Local prostate cancer statistics underscore the importance of preventive care, early detection and regular conversations with a doctor.

For many men, making a doctor’s appointment falls somewhere near the bottom of the to-do list. Work, family responsibilities and everyday demands often take priority, and as long as nothing hurts, it can be easy to assume everything is fine.

But some of the most serious health conditions affecting men develop without noticeable symptoms. That’s why DeTar Healthcare System is using Movember, the annual men’s health awareness campaign, to encourage men throughout Victoria and the Crossroads to make their health a priority through regular checkups, appropriate screenings and open conversations with their healthcare providers.

The need is especially relevant close to home. According to the National Cancer Institute and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s State Cancer Profiles, Victoria County recorded an average of 69 new prostate cancer cases annually between 2019 and 2023. The county’s age-adjusted incidence rate was 122.3 cases per 100,000 men, compared with 111.7 in Texas and 119.9 nationally.

“Men are often good about taking care of everyone else, but sometimes put their own health on the back burner,” said Dr. Mark Gonzalez, primary care physician with DeTar Medical Group. “The reality is that feeling healthy doesn’t always mean everything is OK. High blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, diabetes and even some cancers can develop without obvious warning signs. Regular checkups give us an opportunity to identify potential problems early and help men stay healthier.”

Prostate cancer: Know your risk

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men in the United States, excluding nonmelanoma skin cancers, and is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths among American men.

The CDC reported 266,307 new prostate cancer cases in the United States in 2023, while 34,815 men died from the disease in 2024.

Prostate cancer occurs when cells in the prostate gland, a small gland located below the bladder and in front of the rectum, begin growing abnormally. Many prostate cancers grow slowly, but some can be aggressive and spread to other parts of the body.

One of the challenges with prostate cancer is that it often produces no symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

• Difficulty starting or maintaining urination
• A weak or interrupted urine stream
• Frequent urination, particularly at night
• Blood in the urine or semen
• Pain or burning during urination
• Persistent pain in the back, hips or pelvis

These symptoms do not necessarily mean a man has prostate cancer, but they should be evaluated by a healthcare provider rather than ignored.

Age is one of the biggest risk factors. The likelihood of developing prostate cancer increases as men get older. African American men face a higher risk of developing and dying from the disease, and men with a father, brother or son who has had prostate cancer are also at increased risk.

Screening typically begins with a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, which measures a protein produced by the prostate. An elevated PSA level does not automatically mean cancer is present. Other conditions, including an enlarged prostate or inflammation, can also cause elevated levels. Additional testing may be recommended depending on the results.

Because prostate cancer screening has potential benefits as well as risks, recommendations emphasize making an informed decision with a healthcare provider. The American Cancer Society recommends discussing screening at age 50 for men at average risk, age 45 for men at higher risk, including African American men and those with a close family member diagnosed at an early age, and age 40 for men with multiple close relatives diagnosed at an early age. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends individualized decision-making about PSA screening for men ages 55 to 69.

“One of the most important things men can do is understand their individual risk,” said Dr. Stephen Brown, radiation oncologist with DeTar Cancer Center. “Prostate cancer doesn’t affect every man the same way. Age, family history and other risk factors all matter. Having a conversation with your physician about PSA testing and whether screening is appropriate can help identify potential concerns before symptoms develop.”

Dr. Brown said advances in prostate cancer treatment have provided physicians with several options, depending on the type and stage of cancer, the patient’s overall health and individual circumstances.

“When prostate cancer is diagnosed, treatment isn’t necessarily a one-size-fits-all approach,” Brown said. “Some cancers may be monitored closely, while others require treatment such as surgery or radiation therapy. Our goal is to develop a treatment plan that is appropriate for each patient and provides the best possible outcome.”

Establish a relationship with primary care

Prostate cancer is an important part of the Movember message, but men’s health extends well beyond one type of cancer.

A primary care physician serves as an important partner in identifying potential health concerns, managing chronic conditions and helping patients stay ahead of problems before they become more serious.

Regular wellness visits provide opportunities to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, weight and other indicators of overall health. They also give men an opportunity to discuss recommended screenings for colorectal cancer and other conditions, review medications, address lifestyle habits and talk about concerns they might otherwise overlook.

Knowing your family’s medical history is another important step. Men should share information about cancer, heart disease, diabetes and other conditions affecting parents, siblings and grandparents with their healthcare provider.

“Establishing a relationship with a primary care provider is one of the best investments a man can make in his long-term health,” Dr. Gonzalez said. “When I know a patient’s medical history, family history and lifestyle, I can help identify risk factors and make recommendations that are specific to that individual. It’s also important to remember that preventive care isn’t just an annual physical. It’s an ongoing conversation about how you’re feeling, what’s changing and what we can do to keep you healthy.”

Dr. Gonzalez encourages men not to wait until something feels wrong to schedule an appointment. Whether it’s been several years since their last physical or they have a specific concern they have been putting off, taking that first step is important.

Men’s health includes mental well-being

Movember also brings attention to mental health and suicide prevention, issues that deserve the same attention as physical health.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, men account for nearly 80% of suicide deaths in the United States. Yet many men struggle to talk about stress, depression, anxiety or other mental health concerns.

Cultural expectations surrounding masculinity can sometimes make it difficult for men to ask for help or acknowledge when they are struggling. Recognizing the signs, checking in with friends and family members, and seeking professional support are important steps toward better mental health.

Movember also highlights testicular cancer, the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men ages 20 to 39. Men should be familiar with what is normal for their bodies and talk with a healthcare provider about unusual lumps, swelling, pain or other changes.

“Your health is about more than one test or one doctor’s appointment,” Dr. Brown said. “It’s about taking care of yourself physically and mentally, recognizing when something doesn’t feel right and being willing to ask for help. Those conversations can make a real difference.”

This November, DeTar encourages men throughout the Crossroads to take one simple step: make the appointment, ask the questions and take an active role in their health.

To find a primary care provider and schedule an appointment with DeTar Medical Group, visit MyDeTarDoctor.com.

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