A new report from the American Cancer Society reveals a concerning rise in prostate cancer cases across the United States, underscoring the urgent need for increased awareness and screening. Prostate cancer now accounts for 30% of all male cancers, making it the most common cancer diagnosis among men nationwide.
According to the report, prostate cancer incidence increased by 3% annually from 2014 to 2021, reversing a period of decline observed between 2007 and 2014. Physicians caution that delays in routine medical visits during the COVID-19 pandemic have likely contributed to these increases and to more cases being diagnosed at advanced stages.
“In urology, we’ve struggled for years with men avoiding doctor visits,” said Dr. Bhavin Patel, a urologist with Kaiser Permanente in Fresno. “They need a push—sometimes even a shove—to come in, get screened, and prioritize their health. COVID really put us behind, and we’re now seeing the impact of that.”
The findings also highlight significant racial disparities. Mortality rates among African American men are twice as high as those among white men, while Native American men experience a 12% higher mortality rate. Experts attribute these disparities to a combination of family history, socioeconomic factors, and barriers to accessing health care.
“There’s a large population of men who don’t have access to care or who don’t realize the importance of screening,” added Dr. Patel. “These are the patients we worry about most.”
The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 310,000 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed this year. Physicians strongly recommend that men over age 50 undergo annual screening. For those in higher-risk groups, including African American men and individuals with a family history of prostate cancer, screening should begin at age 45.
“The main part of screening is just a simple blood test,” Dr. Patel emphasized. “One test a year can be the first step toward saving lives.”
