Respirology | APSR Respiratory Medicine Journal
Prostate Cancer Risk Increases By 45% Among Men Who Share One Troubling Behavior
Researchers are warning that men who regularly dodge prostate cancer screening appointments are 45% more likely to die from the disease.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men and the second-leading cause of cancer deaths, according to UC San Francisco (UCSF).
But if screening programs are introduced on a national scale — particularly those that measure levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood — they could give men earlier access to treatment, experts say.
PROSTATE CANCER CASES SPIKE IN THIS US STATE AS DOCTORS SHARE LIKELY REASON
They would thus have a better chance of being cured, according to reporting by news agency SWNS and others.
Screening can also prevent costly treatments associated with advanced prostate cancer.
A new study examined the link between the consistent decline of men's screenings and the risk of dying from prostate cancer. It reveals a "stark contrast" that emphasizes the potential consequences of screening avoidance. (iStock)
That's according to data from the European Randomised Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer (ERSPC).
The study collects information from seven European nations — Finland, the Netherlands, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland, Belgium and Spain. It is said to be the world's largest prostate cancer screening study, said SWNS.
COMMON CANCER TYPE COULD BE DETECTED WITH NEW BLOOD TEST
Long-term data from this entity consistently shows that PSA screening programs can lead to a 20% reduced risk of dying from prostate cancer.
Now, an analysis of 20-year follow-up data from the ERSPC is the first to look at the link between the consistent decline of screening invitations and men's risk of dying from this type of cancer.
It reveals a "stark contrast" that emphasizes the potential consequences of screening avoidance.
Of the 72,460 men invited to partake in screenings, around one in six were non-attenders and skipped every appointment.
Researchers from Erasmus MC Cancer Institute at the University Medical Centre in the Netherlands led the analysis, said SWNS.
Of the 72,460 men invited to partake in the screenings, around one in six were non-attenders and skipped every single appointment.
That group had a 45% higher risk of dying from prostate cancer compared with those who attended screening appointments, according to the findings.
Choosing not to participate in screening is a choice that may be driven by a complex collection of factors, said one expert. (iStock)
When comparing outcomes with the control group – men who were never invited to have screenings – those who attended the screening appointments had a 23% lower risk of dying from prostate cancer, while non-attenders faced a 39% higher risk, SWNS reported.
Lead study author Renée Leenen, M.D., Ph.D., said the choice not to participate in screening may be driven by a complex collection of factors.
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Said Leenen, who is with the Erasmus CM Cancer Institute in the Netherlands, "It may be that men who opted not to attend a screening appointment are care avoiders — meaning they're less likely to engage in healthy behaviors and preventative care in general."
Experts "need to better understand who these men are, why they choose not to attend appointments and how to motivate them."
She added, "This is the opposite behavior of people who are perhaps more health-conscious and are more likely to attend a screening appointment … Our study identifies that men who were invited for screening, but do not attend screening appointments, are at a significantly higher risk of dying from prostate cancer compared to men who were not offered screening or accepted an invitation for screening."
Long-term data from this entity consistently shows that PSA screening programs can lead to a 20% reduced risk of dying from prostate cancer. (iStock)
Dr. Leenen said that experts "need to better understand who these men are, why they choose not to attend appointments and how to motivate them."
Doing so, she added, "will help us design population-based prostate cancer screening programs that encourage higher rates of informed participation … Tackling attendance rates in this way could be a big factor in the long-term success of a national prostate screening program," SWNS reported.
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Urologist Tobias Nordström, M.D., Ph.D., of the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, said, "We need to better understand why these men might actively choose not to participate in screening, despite being invited to attend, and how this behavior is linked to worse outcomes when they get a diagnosis."
The findings from the study are scheduled to be presented this weekend at the European Association of Urology (EAU) Congress in Madrid, Spain, said SWNS.
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Fox News' senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel, who was not involved in the new study on prostate cancer risks, previously called out the need for regular medical screenings.
Siegel has emphasized the need to "diagnose it early for better outcomes."
Angelica Stabile of Fox News Digital contributed reporting.
Melissa Rudy is senior health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to melissa.Rudy@fox.Com.
Steve McQueen Describes Prostate Cancer Battle As Oscar-winning Film Director Urges Men To Get Checked After Being Hit By Double Tragedy
Oscar-winning director Steve McQueen has urged men to get checked for prostate cancer after it killed his father and a close friend, saying: These deaths are needless and foolish.
The London-born filmmaker behind 12 Years A Slave has made a full recovery after privately battling prostate cancer following his diagnosis in 2022.
The 55-year-old is now outspoken on the need for men to undergo a simple blood test to determine whether or not they may also show signs of the most common cancer in males.
It disproportionately affects black men, and those with a family history - something which is particularly significant for Sir Steve, given his father Philbert died of prostate cancer in 2006 aged 67.
His friend, the novelist Alex Wheatle, also known as the Brixton Bard in honour of where he grew up, died with prostate cancer last month aged 62.
It means Sir Steve is all-too aware of the need to get tested.
'The thing is Alex is dead and I'm alive. I knew to look out for it, and he didn't. And that makes me upset,' he said.
'I was talking to a relative the other day and she said: 'You're lucky.' And I hated hearing that. Hated hearing it.
Sir Steve McQueen, the London-born filmmaker behind Oscar-winning 12 Years A Slave, has made a full recovery after privately battling prostate cancer following his diagnosis in 2022
Elliott Heffernan, left, and filmmaker Steve McQueen on the set of 'Blitz'
Sir Steve, pictured, lost his father, Philbert, and friend, the Brixton novelist Alex Wheatle, died with prostate cancer
'It really upset me. Because it's just this stupid information that could have saved people's lives.
'It's upsetting that my dad died. It's upsetting that Alex died, it's upsetting that so many men are dying, particularly black men.
'People are dying unnecessarily, and it's foolish.'
Sir Steve underwent regular testing following the death of his father and was diagnosed in October 2022, just as he was about shooting new film, Blitz
He decided to undergo surgery immediately, spent two days in hospital and then worked from his laptop for a short period before returning to set, with only close family aware of what he had gone through.
Sir Steve - like many men with prostate cancer - had no symptoms when he was diagnosed, even though he felt destined to be struck down with the disease due to being black and Philbert having died from it.
'I was always going to have prostate cancer,' he told The Guardian.
'From the day I was born I was going to have prostate cancer.
Sir Steve, pictured with writer Bianca Stigter, his wife
Novelist Alex Wheatle, also known as the Brixton Bard, was Sir Steve's friend and died with prostate cancer last month
Hospitality magnate Nick Jones, pictured with broaster Kirsty Jones, his wife, has been outspoken about prostate cancer following his own diagnosis
POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS OF PROSTATE CANCERMany men get prostate cancer despite showing any symptoms.
However, some symptoms include:
Source: NHS
Advertisement'My father saved my life because I wouldn't have done anything if it hadn't been for his cancer.'
He now speaks out about the need for at-risk men to go for a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test, which is used to check prostate conditions and can indicate the presence of cancer.
'I just want to help save lives,' he said.
It comes after Nick Jones, the founder of private members' club chain Soho House, told the Daily Mail of his determination to reduce prostate cancer deaths.
The 61-year-old hospitality entrepreneur, married to broadcaster Kirsty Young, had his prostate removed three years ago after being diagnosed with cancer.
He told the Mail: 'I decided - although we're very private - that I'd talk about it and write to all our members, because if you put your head in the sand nothing will change. There was no deliberation. It's a natural thing: I don't want anyone else to suffer.
'I want to prevent needless deaths. I wouldn't be bold enough to say they can be eliminated completely, but they can be reduced dramatically.
'We just need to push for universal screening and for every dad, brother, husband, son, work colleague to take advantage of it.
'And the more we normalise this, the more people talk about it in day-to-day conversation, the more lives will be saved.'
Mathew Knowles Leads $20 Million Dollar Prostate Cancer Initiative
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 06: Mathew Knowles attends the 2024 GEANCO Hollywood Gala at 1 ... More Hotel West Hollywood on December 06, 2024 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Unique Nicole/Getty Images)
Getty ImagesProstate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in the United States, with nearly 1 in 8 men being diagnosed in their lifetime. However, for Black men, the risk is even more pronounced. Studies show that Black men are twice as likely to die from prostate cancer compared to their white counterparts. This disparity in outcomes is a critical public health issue, one that has long been overlooked.
In a powerful conversation with Mathew Knowles, the music mogul known for his pioneering work in the industry, and Courtney Bugler, the CEO of Zero Prostate Cancer, we discussed the need for increased awareness, education and support for Black men at risk of prostate cancer.
The Stark Disparities in Prostate Cancer OutcomesMathew Knowles, best known for his success in the music world, has a personal connection to prostate cancer that goes beyond his professional endeavors. "My grandfather died of prostate cancer, and four of my five uncles passed from it," Knowles shared. "I also found out that I'm BRCA2 mutated, which means I have a higher risk of prostate cancer, along with pancreatic cancer, male breast cancer, and melanoma."
In December of last year, Knowles faced a new scare when his PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) levels were higher than normal. While he was fortunate to receive the all-clear after further testing, his experience underscored the importance of regular screening and early detection. Prostate cancer, when detected early, can often be treated successfully, yet many men delay or avoid testing due to misconceptions and stigma.
Courtney Bugler, CEO of Zero Prostate Cancer, emphasized the urgency of addressing these issues in the Black community. "What most people don't realize is that prostate cancer is diagnosed as frequently as breast cancer, yet it doesn't have the same level of public awareness or support," Bugler noted. "For Black men, the risk is even higher. They're diagnosed younger, and the cancer can be more aggressive."
The Impact of Stigma and Cultural BarriersCultural barriers and a pervasive stigma surrounding men's health are major obstacles to addressing prostate cancer. In many Black communities, a culture of silence around health issues and the traditional idea of "manning up" can prevent men from seeking the care they need.
"The truth is, Black men often avoid health screenings because of fear or misinformation," Knowles explained. "We still think of the old, painful prostate exam, but that's not the reality today. It's a simple needle test, and it only takes about 10 seconds."
To address this stigma, Knowles and Bugler are advocating for an open, candid conversation about prostate cancer, much like the awareness campaigns that have helped bring breast cancer into the spotlight.
"We need to go to barbershops, churches, and fraternities," Knowles stressed. "We need to be loud and clear that early detection saves lives. Our goal is to save 100,000 lives in the next decade."
Blitz The Barriers: A $20 Million InitiativeOne of the most promising steps in addressing the crisis is Zero Prostate Cancer's "Blitz The Barriers" initiative. This $20 million campaign is designed to address the healthcare disparities that affect Black men and other high-risk populations.
"At Zero, we are targeting communities with the greatest needs," Bugler said. "Nationally, Black men are twice as likely to die from prostate cancer than white men. In cities like Atlanta, that number can be as high as five times greater."
The initiative focuses on increasing access to screenings and education in these underserved areas, working directly with local healthcare providers to ensure that people understand their risk and have the resources they need to take action.
"Early detection is key," Bugler continued. "There are more options for treatment when prostate cancer is caught early. And through initiatives like Blitz the Barriers, we're giving men the tools they need to live longer, healthier lives."
New York, New York – February 2024: (Left to Right) Zero Prostate Cancer CMO Sheri Barros, Forbes ... More Contributor Corein Carter, music mogul Mathew Knowles, and Zero Prostate Cancer CEO Courtney Bugler come together to speak on raising awareness for prostate cancer in Black men.
Zero Prostate Cancer The Power of Early Detection and Lifestyle ChangesKnowles' own story highlights the importance of early detection. "I was fortunate to be diagnosed with male breast cancer at Stage 1A, which is early enough to avoid chemotherapy and radiation. Instead, I took a pill for five years every day. The difference between finding cancer early and finding it late is monumental," he said.
Both Knowles and Bugler stressed that lifestyle changes also play a critical role in health outcomes. "It's not just about getting screened. It's about taking care of your body every day," Knowles added. "I've made significant lifestyle changes, from losing weight to making exercise a daily habit. I want to live, and I'm doing everything I can to make sure that happens."
Building Trust in the CommunityOne of the major challenges in addressing prostate cancer in high-risk communities is building trust. Historically, healthcare providers and public health campaigns have had limited success in reaching these populations, particularly when it comes to issues like prostate cancer that are seen as taboo.
"We need to be authentic in our approach," Bugler explained. "We're working with local partners who already have the trust of their communities. By partnering with grassroots organizations, we can ensure that the message about prostate cancer awareness and early detection is heard loud and clear."
Knowles also emphasized the importance of engaging with the Black community on a personal level. "We want to speak directly to people, not just lecture them from the outside. We need to go into neighborhoods, into churches, into the places where Black men gather and talk to them about prostate cancer in a way that resonates with their lives."
Forbes Contributor Corein Carter, music mogul Mathew Knowles, and Zero Prostate Cancer CEO Courtney ... More Bugler sit down to chat about the Blitz The Barriers Campaign.
Zero Prostate Cancer A Call to Action for Prostate CancerAs our conversation concluded, both Knowles and Bugler made a heartfelt call to action. "I want men to take control of their health," Knowles urged. "You have the power to make a difference in your life. Get checked, know your family history and take the necessary steps to protect your health."
Bugler echoed this sentiment: "We want everyone to understand that prostate cancer is preventable, and when caught early, it's treatable. But we need everyone to get involved—whether you're a man at risk or someone who loves and cares for them."
How to Get InvolvedIf you want to support the fight against prostate cancer or get involved in the Blitz the Barriers initiative, you can visit https://zerocancer.Org/ to learn more about ways to volunteer, donate, or partner with the organization. You can also follow Knowles' efforts and schedule him for speaking engagements at MathewKnowles.Com
By raising awareness, breaking down cultural stigmas, and promoting early detection, we can make significant strides in reducing the impact of prostate cancer on Black men. As Knowles said, "It's time to take control of our health. Together, we can save lives."
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