Prostate cancer is the second most deadly cancer among men in the U.S., and experts are warning about a major risk factor that is often overlooked.
One Simple Step Could Reduce the Risk
New research has found a strong link between prostate cancer deaths and a behavior that many men can easily change—skipping regular prostate cancer screenings.
According to the American Cancer Society, about one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives. While many survive, the disease still claims one in 44 men.
The Impact of Avoiding Screenings
Experts warn that missing regular screenings increases the risk of dying from prostate cancer by 45%. They emphasize the importance of PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood tests, which can help detect cancer early and improve treatment options.
These findings come from the European Randomised Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer (ERSPC)—the most detailed prostate cancer screening study ever conducted. Covering over 20 years of data across seven European countries, the research confirms that PSA testing lowers the risk of dying from prostate cancer by about 20%.
Screening Attendance Makes a Big Difference
Researchers compared men who attended screenings with those who skipped them. The results were concerning.
- Men who attended screenings had a 23% lower risk of dying from prostate cancer.
- Men who skipped screenings entirely had a 39% higher risk overall.
- Non-attenders had a 45% higher risk of death compared to those who got tested.
Understanding Why Men Skip Screenings
Dr. Renée Leenen, M.D., Ph.D., from the Netherlands Cancer Institute, led the study and noted a pattern:
“Men who skip screenings may also avoid other types of preventive healthcare,” she said.
To address this issue, experts believe more research is needed to understand why some men avoid screenings. By identifying these factors, medical professionals can develop screening programs that encourage more participation.
The full study will be presented at the European Association of Urology (EAU) Congress in Madrid, Spain.
For more information or support, the American Cancer Society provides 24/7 assistance at 1-800-227-2345 or via their live chat service.