Survey Finds Many Older Men Bypass Prostate Cancer Screenings

Why it matters locally: While the survey is national, the findings on missed prostate cancer screenings are relevant to public health efforts in Alaska, where healthcare providers emphasize preventative care for men aged 55 and older. The Municipality of Anchorage/City Hall and the Alaska Department of Health could utilize these national trends to inform local public health campaigns.

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COLUMBIA, Md. – A new national survey conducted by MedStar Health indicates that a substantial number of men aged 55 and older have not participated in prostate cancer screenings. The survey, released on September 1, 2026, highlights potential missed opportunities for early detection of one of the most prevalent cancers among men. Investigators found that 30% of men aged 55 and older surveyed reported they had never undergone screening for prostate cancer. This figure translates to millions of individuals who have not received these diagnostic tests. Prostate cancer represents a common malignancy in men. Medical guidelines often recommend discussions about screening with healthcare providers for men in this age bracket. The MedStar Health survey collected data from a national sample. Researchers aimed to assess current screening practices and identify potential gaps in preventative care.