TORONTO, Sept. 26, 2019 /CNW/ - New findings released today in a Prostate Cancer Canada nationwide survey suggest 1.5 million Canadian men 50+ are not seeking early prostate cancer testing through the prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test. The survey, Men At Risk: The Prostate Cancer Testing Gap, shows while awareness about the importance of early detection is high, Canadian men 50+ are reluctant to be tested.
"The gap between awareness and action means many Canadian men are putting themselves at risk for late prostate cancer detection – when the chance of survival decreases," says Dr. Rob Hamilton, Prostate Cancer Canada spokesperson and Urologic Oncologist, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. "What's even more troubling is almost one-third of men who know their risk is higher because of their age, are not taking the initiative to see their doctors and get tested."
Prostate Cancer Canada recommends starting PSA testing at age 50 for most men and at age 45 for men who are at an increased risk. When detected early, the survival rate for prostate cancer is close to 100% after five years; detected late, it drops to 28%, which means three of four men will die.
Among the key findings of the survey:
- Canadian men aged 50+ are in prostate cancer denial
- An estimated 1 in 4 (1.5 million) Canadian men over 50 are not seeking early prostate cancer testing through the PSA blood test even though:
- 75% of men 50+ know that prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men
- 72% know that survival is close to 100 per cent when detected early
- Canadian men and women are well aware of prostate cancer and its health effects
- Almost one in two (47%) know someone who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer: a family member, friend or colleague
- One in five (21%) have been closely affected by prostate cancer, meaning they have been diagnosed or have a father or brother who has been diagnosed
- 72% know that prostate cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian men
- 68% know that survival is close to 100% if diagnosed early
- One-third (34%) know that 50-59 years old is the recommended age for a first PSA test for most men
This survey was developed and conducted by Prostate Cancer Canada from May – July 2019. The survey is consistent with a margin of error of plus or minus 1.37%, 19 times out of 20 |
The Patient Perspective
Chris Watson could have benefited from early prostate cancer testing. When the Mississauga, ON native turned 50 in 2010, he asked his family doctor for a PSA test; however, the doctor did not feel it was necessary. Two years later, Mr. Watson had the PSA test as part of an insurance exam. His PSA levels were high and a biopsy came back positive for prostate cancer. After following a course of treatment, which included surgery, Mr. Watson is now leading a full life.
Unfortunately, there are many Canadian men whose disease is caught too late. Kate Black's father was one of them – after delaying because his overall health was good, he was diagnosed with late-stage prostate cancer and Kate lost her dad soon after. She is now determined that no other daughter lose their dad to this disease, and encourages men to speak with their doctor about whether the PSA test is right for them.
"This gap between knowledge and action is why Prostate Cancer Canada continues to push for men and their families to talk about the risks of prostate cancer and the importance of early detection with their health care professional," says Peter Coleridge, President and CEO, Prostate Cancer Canada. "Men need to take action to prevent them from dying of a largely treatable cancer."
For more information on early detection and the PSA test, visit prostatecancer.ca/PSA.
About Prostate Cancer Canada
Prostate Cancer Canada is the leading national charity addressing prostate cancer needs across the country. We strive to save lives by improving prevention, detection and treatment of prostate cancer, and to enhance the quality of life for all Canadians affected by the disease through collaboration, driving world-class research and translating knowledge into better outcomes. To donate or learn more, visit prostatecancer.ca.
SOURCE Prostate Cancer Canada
Arden Bagni, Manager, Communications, Prostate Cancer Canada, 416-441-2131 x 264; Paul Kilbertus, Director, Communications, Prostate Cancer Canada, 416-441-2131, 250
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