Early Detection for Prostate Cancer

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

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

70% higher incidence rate in Black men than White men

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

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

Take Action

National

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!

Take Action

National

Do you have a prostate cancer story?

Have you or a loved one had prostate cancer? If so, we want to hear from you!

ACS CAN volunteers are working hard to convince Congress to pass a bill that will save lives from prostate cancer. Your story can help us make this happen.

Take Action

Latest Updates

See More Updates

Mother, Daughter Survive Cancer & Send Message to Lawmakers: Reduce the Burden of Cancer in New Jersey

January 8, 2025

New Jersey

Two years after Ocean City local Jeanmarie Mason’s breast cancer returned and spread to her bones, her daughter Julie Groob also experienced a recurrence of her cervical cancer, bringing the two closer together than ever and uniting them in the fight against cancer. As volunteers with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), Jeanmarie and Julie were among key voices in securing a medical debt relief victory in 2024. The pair are approaching the legislative session in 2025 eager to share their stories and advance critical proposals to limit the burden of disease across the cancer continuum.

Advocates Set Sights on Improving Access to Cancer Prevention & Detection, Reducing Burden of Disease for PA Patients in 2025

January 7, 2025

Pennsylvania

The following is a statement from American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) Pennsylvania Government Relations Director Donna Greco: “In 2024, ACS CAN was proud to see the Pennsylvania Legislature mobilize swiftly and in a bipartisan manner to bring the promise of precision medicine to more patients. Beginning in the new year, Act 39 of 2024 will make it so that all patients who can benefit and are insured through a state-regulated health plan will receive coverage for biomarker testing, a game changer in the fight against cancer and an essential step in accessing precision medicine treatments. Pennsylvanians also secured a victory for access to care through Act 42 of 2024, the newly enacted legislation that includes telemedicine as a covered benefit in the Commonwealth.

Mayor Bowser Signs Bill Increasing Access to Cancer Screening

October 29, 2024

District Of Columbia

Mayor Muriel Bowser signed the Cost-Free Coverage for Prostate Cancer Screening Amendment Act last week, following in the lead of the seven states that have reduced barriers to accessing prostate cancer screenings. The bill waives cost-sharing requirements for prostate cancer screenings for D.C. residents, meaning that men will be able to access guideline-recommended prostate cancer screenings without out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles, copayments, or coinsurances.

Governor Signs Bill Increasing Access to Cancer Screening for High-Risk Delawareans

October 29, 2024

Delaware

Governor Carney has signed HS 1 of HB 302 this week, making Delaware the eighth state in the U.S. to enhance coverage of prostate cancer screenings for high-risk men. The bill eliminates costs for certain patients to get these lifesaving screenings, thus reducing barriers and increasing access to care for men over 40 with certain risk factors.