Prostate cancer screening: facts and significance
A new survey finds that the majority of American men have incorrect beliefs regarding prostate cancer screening which could keep them from getting screened.
In August, the American Cancer Society and the Harris Poll surveyed 1,200 US men ages 45 and older about their prostate cancer screening knowledge. Misconceptions were common. Prostate cancer screening begins with a noninvasive blood test that measures levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). The PSA score helps determine if further screening is needed. Sixty percent of surveyed men mistakenly believed that a doctor- conducted rectal exam was the first step in prostate cancer screening. The number rose to 69% among Hispanic men. Men who were informed that a blood test was the first step in screening stated that they were more likely to talk to their doctor about getting screened.
Among men ages 45-59 who hadn’t yet been screened 37% said they thought they weren’t old enough to need screening. The American Cancer Society currently recommends screening begin at age 50 for men at average risk for prostate cancer and age 45 for men at higher risk.
Thirty-eight percent of men did not know that a family history of prostate cancer increased their odds of the disease.
Among Black and Hispanic men, 25% mistakenly thought screening was necessary only after symptoms arose.
Almost 300,000 men in the US will receive a diagnosis of prostate cancer this year, and over 35,000 men will die from the disease. With two-thirds of men in the higher-risk age group (55- 69 years) reporting no screening at all for disease, it is increasingly important to communicate accurate information about prostate cancer screening.
Risk categories for prostate cancer screening:
Average Risk: All men at average risk should begin regular prostate cancer screening at age 50.
High Risk: This group includes all Black men and anyone with a father or brother who was diagnosed with prostate cancer before the age of 65. This group needs to begin prostate cancer screening at age 45.
Highest Risk: Any man with more than one first-degree relative (father, brother) who has had prostate cancer before the age of 65. This group needs to begin screening at age 40.
(Health Day News, September 09, 2024)
