A recent poll from the American Cancer Society reveals a troubling trend: nearly two-thirds of men aged 55 to 69 have not undergone prostate cancer screening. This gap has led to a decades-first rise in advanced-stage prostate cancer cases, underscoring the critical need for timely detection.
Dr. Mark Gonzalez, a family medicine physician with DeTar Medical Group Primary Care Clinic, emphasizes that screening timing depends on individual risk. “Understanding your risk factors is key to determining when to start screening,” he explains.
For men at average risk, discussions with a doctor about screening should begin around age 50. However, African American men and those with a family history of prostate cancer should initiate these conversations earlier, as young as 45. “Screening saves lives, especially since prostate cancer often shows no symptoms until it’s advanced,” Dr. Gonzalez notes.
Prostate cancer remains a significant health threat: it is the second most common cancer in men (after skin cancer), with 313,780 new cases projected for 2025. It also ranks as the second-leading cause of cancer death in American men, trailing only lung cancer. Most cases—about 6 in 10—are diagnosed in men 65 or older, and it is rare in those under 40.
The primary screening tool is the PSA blood test, which measures levels of prostate-specific antigen. “Like other cancer screenings, the PSA test isn’t a diagnosis, but it’s a crucial first step,” Dr. Gonzalez clarifies. An abnormal result may prompt further testing.
While early prostate cancer typically has no symptoms, men of any age should consult a doctor if they experience difficulty urinating, blood in urine or semen, or erectile dysfunction. These issues are often treatable and may stem from conditions other than cancer.
Dr. Gonzalez advises that prostate screening discussions should be part of annual wellness exams for men over 50. To find a primary care provider, visit www.DeTarDoctors.web.
In a commitment to men’s health, DeTar Healthcare System is launching “Enjoy the Ride: Navigating a Longer, Healthier Life”—a free 12-day email series starting September 15. The series will cover prostate health within the broader context of healthy aging, including tips for heart, brain, and sleep health, plus daily wellness advice and prize giveaways.
Early detection, experts stress, is the cornerstone of living well—and living longer.
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