Why Men Put Off Getting Checked
Let’s face it—many men don’t love going to the doctor. Whether it’s fear of finding something wrong, embarrassment, or just not wanting to deal with invasive tests like the digital rectal exam (DRE), too many men avoid screening altogether. This reluctance has deadly consequences. By the time symptoms become too serious to ignore, the cancer may have already spread.
The PSA Controversy: A Double-Edged Sword
PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) testing has helped catch countless cases of prostate cancer early, but it’s also been the subject of debate. High PSA levels can indicate cancer, but they can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions, leading to false alarms and unnecessary worry. Because of this, some organizations have pulled back on recommending routine PSA screenings for men under 55 who are not at high risk. But this more cautious approach has led to fewer men being tested, which could mean more cases slipping through the cracks.
