Early Detection for Prostate Cancer

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Early detection of cancer saves lives. Screening can help detect prostate cancer at an early stage often before any signs and symptoms which are associated with more advanced disease. Prostate cancer survival rates increase when it is detected early.

However, when it comes to prostate cancer, major racial disparities exist.

Improving outcomes for Black individuals by addressing root causes of prostate cancer disparities is key to improving the disproportionate burden of prostate cancer on Black individuals in the US. We are working to ensure Congress addresses these disparities by supporting legislation to remove cost-sharing of screening for those at the highest risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer – African Americans and those with a family history of prostate cancer. We will continue to partner with other organizations and advocates at the state level to remove cost-sharing as a barrier for individuals looking to undergo prostate cancer screenings.

Prostate Cancer Disparities
 

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2.1x higher likelihood of death in Black men versus White men

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70% higher incidence rate in Black men than White men

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Leading cancer type for Black men, accounting for 37% of all new cases, 2022 estimates for US Black men:
New cases: 41,600
Deaths: 6,040

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Black men more likely to receive substandard treatment than White men; when similar 10-year survival is comparable or higher

Take Action

Man at the doctor

Urge Congress to save lives from prostate cancer!

Send a message to your U.S. Senators urging them to pass the PSA Screening for HIM Act. 

This bill would provide free prostate cancer screenings for those at high-risk for the disease, saving lives from prostate cancer. Send a message today!

Latest Updates

July 2, 2024
Delaware

The Delaware legislature has passed HS 1 of HB 302, becoming just the 8 th state to take action to enhance coverage of prostate cancer screenings for high-risk men. The bill would eliminate cost-sharing for these lifesaving screenings, thus reducing barriers and increasing access to prostate cancer screenings for men over 40 who meet certain risk factors. The legislation awaits Governor Carney’s consideration. Advocates with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) and ZERO Prostate Cancer are urging the governor to deliver a win to men across Delaware and sign the bill as soon as possible.

May 23, 2024
Tennessee

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Gov. Bill Lee signed HB 2954 /SB2883 this week, making Tennessee the sixth state in the U.S. to enhance coverage of prostate cancer screenings for high-risk men. The state’s “PSA Screening For HIM” bill eliminates costs for certain patients to get these lifesaving screenings, thus

April 24, 2024
National, New Jersey

The following is a statement from Dr. Karen E. Knudsen, CEO of the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), on the passing of U.S. Representative Donald M. Payne Jr. (D-N.J.).

April 12, 2024
National

In light of the recent news regarding Dr. Francis Collins, former director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and his recent prostate cancer diagnosis, the American Cancer Society (ACS) extends its full support as he navigates his cancer journey.

Early Detection for Prostate Cancer Resources

The PSA Screening for HIM Act  (H.R. 1826/S. 2821) would remove out-of-pocket costs for prostate cancer screening for those at highest risk for the disease. 

Prostate cancer rates for Black men are 70% higher than the rates for White men.