It's been almost seven months since Kenneth Harris had surgery to treat his prostate cancer at UNC Hospitals. At just 56 years old, it wasn't his age that put him at risk for the disease. It was the color of his skin..

"African American men are at highest risk for prostate cancer. We don't really know why that happens," said Dr. Culley Carson, chief of urology at UNC Hospitals. "In fact, if those African American men were actually African, their risk would be lower, but once they come to the United States or come to the western world, their risk of prostate cancer becomes higher."

Harris said his first symptom was frequent urination, especially at night. His doctor did an exam and told him that his prostate was enlarged. A biopsy confirmed it was cancer.

"Any time anyone mentions the word cancer, you kind of go wow," said Harris. "And then you say, let's get it done."

Like most men under 60, Harris chose to have his cancer removed and benefited from robotic techniques that have revolutionized prostate surgery, with faster recovery and fewer complications than traditional surgery.

"I heard people give me horror stories about bedwetting and other things," he said. "I didn't experience any of that."

Prostate cancer is very slow growing, so patients who don't want surgery can choose other types of treatment. Some older patients may choose not to be treated at all, but opt for what Carson calls "watchful waiting." He said doctors monitor those patients with regular bloodwork to check for levels of a protein called prostate specific antigen...

"We follow the PSA," he said. "If the PSA in those men with prostate cancer plateaus and it doesn't change in its increase over time, we'll just watch them."

The PSA test has been criticized by some who say it is unreliable and leads to unnecessary treatment. Carson said it is a valuable tool if PSA levels are watched from year to year, rather than in just one screening, and when the test is done along with an annual digital rectal exam.

And while some men may be shy about a physical exam of their prostate, Harris said he is living proof that early detection is worth any discomfort.

"What you don't know, will hurt you," he said. "And what you do know, can help."

Since his surgery, Harris has urged several friends to be screened. He said five out of seven of them either had an enlarged prostate or an elevated PSA level.

UNC Hospitals Urology Department is offering free prostate cancer screenings on Sept. 23 and 24 from 1 to 7 p.m. Click here for more information.