Mega Doctor News
McALLEN, Texas – Between busy work schedules, family obligations and other daily demands, many men prioritize the needs of others before their own, often postponing annual checkups and routine preventive screenings.
When it comes to prostate health, delaying care can have serious consequences. Many prostate conditions, including prostate cancer, can develop with few or no noticeable symptoms in their early stages, making regular screenings and greater awareness essential for identifying problems before they progress.
“One of the biggest challenges with prostate disease is that it often develops silently,” says Cesar Varela, MD, a family medicine resident with the South Texas Health System (STHS) GME Consortium. “Many men feel healthy and assume everything is fine, but regular screenings can help identify concerns early, before symptoms appear and when treatment options are often most effective.”
Prostate health plays a vital role in a man’s overall well-being. Approximately one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society, making it one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers among men in the United States.
While advancing age remains one of the most significant risk factors, family history, race and certain lifestyle factors can also increase the likelihood of developing prostate cancer and other prostate-related conditions. Understanding those risks and discussing them with a healthcare provider can help men make informed decisions about their health.
“Every man’s risk profile is different,” says Dr. Varela. “Factors such as age, genetics and personal health history all play a role. That’s why it’s important to have open conversations with your physician about when screening should begin and what preventive steps may be appropriate for you.”
Routine screenings can detect prostate cancer and other prostate conditions at an earlier stage, often before symptoms develop, allowing for timely intervention and improved treatment outcomes. In fact, when prostate cancer is detected before it spreads beyond the prostate, the five-year relative survival rate exceeds 99%, according to the American Cancer Society.
By becoming familiar with potential warning signs, understanding individual risk factors and staying current with recommended screenings, men can take proactive steps to protect their long-term health and potentially reduce the risk of advanced disease.
“Taking charge of your prostate health doesn’t have to be complicated,” says Dr. Varela. “Simple actions like scheduling regular wellness visits, staying informed about your personal risk factors and seeking medical advice when something doesn’t feel right can make a meaningful difference.”
To help Rio Grande Valley residents better understand prostate health and the importance of early detection, South Texas Health System will dedicate the latest installment of its Let’s Talk Your Health webinar series to the topic.
Broadcast live on the STHS Facebook page on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., the free virtual seminar will provide expert insight into common prostate conditions, risk factors, screening recommendations, preventive strategies and the latest advances in diagnosis and treatment.
For more information about the webinar, visit the STHS Facebook Events page. To watch previous installments of the Let’s Talk Your Health series, visit STHSLetsTalk.com.
| Who: | South Texas Health System |
| What: | FREE virtual seminar entitled “Let’s Talk Your Health – Prostate Health” |
| When: | Tuesday, September 15, 2026, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. |
| Where: | Online via STHS’ Facebook page |
