A national survey by MedStar Health has revealed a troubling pattern: millions of men over 55 are not receiving recommended prostate cancer screenings, despite the disease affecting roughly one in eight men during their lifetime.
Of the men surveyed, 30% have never had a prostate exam, and nearly 40% report they haven't received a prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, blood test. For men at average risk between ages 55 and 69, screening is recommended at least every two to four years.
"Prostate cancer is common, and it may not cause clear symptoms early on," said Dr. Jonathan J. Hwang, chair of urology at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. "These findings show that many men may be putting off screening or may not know what warning signs to watch for."
While 41% of survey respondents know someone with prostate cancer or have experienced it themselves, only 6% can identify the full range of symptoms, underscoring inadequate community and clinical education.
Patient Jack Chungo's experience illustrates the consequences of delayed screening. His prostate cancer was discovered only after he noticed unexplained weight loss and fatigue. His PSA levels were roughly ten times higher than normal, indicating the disease had progressed.
After receiving hormone therapy and CyberKnife radiation at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Chungo's PSA levels normalized. "If you get prostate cancer, you want your doctors to catch it as early as possible," he said. "Earlier screening helps them do that."
Risk factors for prostate cancer are not evenly distributed. Black men face significantly higher incidence and mortality rates compared to white men due to biological and structural factors including healthcare access, insurance coverage and historical medical mistrust. Men with a family history of prostate cancer or inherited genetic mutations also carry elevated risk. For these higher-risk groups, screening is recommended starting between ages 40 and 45.
"It's always OK for men to talk with their doctor about prostate cancer symptoms or their potential risk," said Dr. Stephen Ronson, medical director of radiation oncology at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center. "They can find out when screening makes sense and what symptoms should prompt evaluation."
Closing the screening gap will likely require multiple interventions: community health worker programs in neighborhoods with historically lower screening rates; systematic outreach to high-risk men; integration of prostate cancer screening into routine primary care visits; and accessible educational materials explaining symptoms.
