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Friday, July 11, 2025AfiSectionindianapolisrecorder.comBy HANNA RAUWORTHhannar@indyrecorder.comProstate and colorectal cancers are two of the most common cancers affecting men in the U.S., and Black men face significantly higher risks of both diagnosis and death.According to the American Cancer Society, Black men are about 70% more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer than white men and twice as likely to die from it. Prostate cancer is also the most diagnosed cancer in Black men.Similarly, Black men have the highest rates of colorectal cancer incidence and mortality among all racial groups. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that Black Americans are about 20% more likely to get colorectal cancer and about 40% more likely to die from it than white Americans.These disparities are linked to a combination of factors, including access to health care, income, insurance coverage, trust in medical providers and differences in how early symptoms are recognized or addressed. Black men are also less likely to undergo routine cancer screenings, which can lead to later-stage diagnoses and reduced chances of successful treatment.Understanding the symptomsProstate cancer often does not present symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms do appear, they may include:%u2022 Difi culty urinating%u2022 Frequent urination, especially at night%u2022 Blood in urine or semen%u2022 Pain in the hips, back or pelvis%u2022 Colorectal cancer can also develop without symptoms early on. However, warning signs may include:%u2022 Changes in bowel habits%u2022 Blood in stool%u2022 Unexplained weight loss%u2022 Persistent abdominal discom25th Annual Back to School Community Resource Day Covering Kids & Families of Health and Hospital Corporation invites the community to attend its 25th annual Back to School and Community Resource Day featuring the IFD Fire Safety Festival on Saturday, July 12 from 8:30 a.m. until Noon in the parking lot of the Marion County Public Health Department located at 3838 N. Rural Street. This event provides families with an opportunity to get comprehensive services and resources needed to get children ready for the upcoming school year. Each school-aged child that attends will receive a free backpack with school supplies. Plus, many other free resources for children provided by the Marion County Public Health Department will be offered including immunizations, sports physicals, vision and dental screenings, a diaper giveaway, and free car seats. Birth certificate services will also be available at no cost for the first 100 school-aged children. Resources are available on a first come, first served basis, so those planning to attend are encouraged to arrive early. In addition to these resources, representatives from many local organizations will have information available on a variety of resources to help families achieve better health and quality of life. A popular feature of this annual back to school event is the Indianapolis Fire Department%u2019s Fire Safety Festival with games, food and fun activities for children to enjoy.%u00a0%u00a0%u00a0%u00a0%u00a0%u00a0%u00a0%u00a0%u00a0%u00a0 %u201cWe are so excited to celebrate our 25th anniversary with the community,%u201d said Pamela Humes, director of Covering Kids & Families of Health and Hospital Corporation. %u201cThis event has a long history of serving families and offering free resources in one location that are crucial for making sure our kids are prepared for school. What we do is not possible without the continued support of sponsors, volunteers and everyone who attends.%u201d For more information about the 25th annual Back to School Community Resource Day, please visit hhcorp.org/coveringkids-and-families.Free Diabetes Self-Management Classes in August The ABCs of Diabetes is a free, four-part accredited diabetes self-management program offered by the Marion County Public Health Department. Classes are open to anyone with diabetes or pre-diabetes. Friends and family members are also welcome. Topics include instruction on medications, nutrition, exercise, monitoring, and available community resources. The program aims to empower individuals with diabetes to achieve and maintain good health, prevent complications that may develop from uncontrolled diabetes, and to increase knowledge and skills for successful diabetes self-management. Classes in August will be held at the Eagle Branch Library, 3905 Moller Rd., on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 12, 19 and 26 from 5:30%u20137:30 p.m. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. Participants should plan to attend all four classes. To register, or learn more about the program and upcoming schedule, please visit MarionHealth.org/diabetes or call (317) 221-2094. The ABCs of Diabetes program is accredited by the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists. Know the signs: Prostate and colorectal cancer in Black men(Photo / Getty Images)fort or fatigueBecause early-stage cancers are often treatable, regular screenings are critical. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends starting prostate cancer screening at age 45 for Black men, especially those with a family history. Colorectal cancer screening is recommended beginning at age 45 for all adults, with earlier screening considered for those with elevated risk.Local resources in IndianapolisIn neighborhoods like MartindaleBrightwood, access to affordable screenings and information can make a life-saving difference. Several community health centers and organizations offer support, including:Jane Pauley Community Health Center: Offers primary care services and referrals for screenings.Raphael Health Center: Provides preventative care and health education for underserved communities.IU Health Simon Cancer Center and Eskenazi Health: Offer cancer screening programs and community outreach.Little Red Door Cancer Agency: Provides free screening navigation, transportation and support services for residents who are uninsured or underinsured.These organizations help bridge the gap by offering culturally competent care, education and resources to encourage early detection.Take actionProstate and colorectal cancers are highly treatable when caught early. The five-year survival rate for localized prostate cancer is nearly 100%, and for early-detected colorectal cancer, it%u2019s around 90%, according to the American Cancer Society.Awareness, timely screening and removing the stigma around men%u2019s health conversations are crucial steps in reducing the burden of cancer in the Black community.For more information or to find screening services near you, visit:%u2022 https://www.cancer.org%u2022 https://iuhealth.org/fi nd-medical-services/cancer-care%u2022 https://janepauleychc.org%u2022 https://www.littlereddoor.orgThis reporting is made possible by a grant from the Indianapolis AfricanAmerican Quality of Life Initiative, empowering our community with essential health insights.%u00a0https://iaaqli.org/Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.