PHOENIX — Nearly 300,000 men in the United States are expected to be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year.
There's no way to prevent the disease, but doctors said an early diagnosis can greatly improve the chances of survival.
A Phoenix prostate cancer survivor is urging men to get screened on time.
"I'm living my best life," Bin McLaurin said.
McLaurin travels the world, sharing stories about his life experiences that weren't always good.
"It was pure shock when I found out I had prostate cancer," McLaurin said.
A routine health check in his 40s led McLaurin to an early diagnosis.
“I opted to do surgery and have it removed and then followed by radiation and hormone therapy," McLaurin said.
McLaurin told 12News that treatment wasn't the hardest part.
“I was kind of left with my body, you know, scars and what was left, you know, and so, you have to try to adapt to that new normal," McLaurin said.
A new normal that consists of advocating for men's health.
“If you catch it early, like I did, your chances for a positive and healthy outcome are much greater," McLaurin said. "I would encourage guys. Don’t put it off. Get checked.”
The American Cancer Society reported more men are being diagnosed with advanced stages of prostate cancer, which is more difficult to treat.
One in eight men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime.
Black men are 70% more likely to be diagnosed than white men, according to the American Cancer Society.
"Screening is very easy," Dr. Shyamal Patel, a Radiation Oncologist at Dignity Health Cancer Institute, said.
Patel said men should get their first prostate cancer screening between 40 and 50 years old depending on risk and family history.
“It’s something better to catch earlier because then we can know whether to treat it or not to treat it," Patel said. "It’s better to always know that you have something versus just being in the dark about it.”
McLaurin's advice to other cancer fighters and survivors is they don't need to go through it alone.
He leads a monthly men's breakfast at Banner M.D. Anderson in Gilbert.
“It’s a safe place to kind of let it all hang out and we all understand the frustration of a cancer diagnosis and treatment," McLaurin said. "One of the best things is to have that band of brothers that are standing alongside of you to encourage you and let you know that brighter days are ahead.”
To learn more about joining the breakfast, contact Banner M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12 News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.
Get to know 12News
At 12News, we listen, we seek, we solve for all Arizonans. 12News is the Phoenix NBC affiliate owned by TEGNA Inc.
12News is built on a legacy of trust. We serve more than 4.6 million people every month on air, on our 12News app, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and 12News.com.
We are committed to serving all of the Valley's communities, because we live here, too.
12News is the Official Home of the Arizona Cardinals and the proud recipient of the 2018 Rocky Mountain Emmy Award for Overall Excellence.
Stay connected by downloading the 12News app, available on Google Play and the Apple Store. Catch up on any stories you missed on the show on the 12News Youtube channel. Read content curated for our Spanish-speaking audience on the Español page. Or see us on the 12News Plus app available on Roku or Amazon Fire.