NEW DELHI: Nearly six in 10 men aged 45 and above do not know whether they have ever been screened for prostate cancer, while 68.9% cannot identify a single risk factor for the disease. This has been revealed in a recent survey, highlighting significant gaps in awareness despite widespread participation in routine health check-ups.
The survey conducted by the Heal Foundation has found that of 1,036 men across Delhi-NCR, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana and Maharashtra, atleast 84% were either unscreened, unsure of their screening status or believed screening was unnecessary.
Nearly 75% thought prostate health monitoring should begin only at age 50 or later, while just 13.2% recognised family history as a risk factor.
“These findings point to a fundamental awareness gap around prostate cancer. When nearly seven in 10 men cannot identify even one risk factor, and six in 10 do not know whether they have ever been screened, it is clear that prostate health needs to become a more visible part of routine health conversations for men over 45.
“Awareness of risk, screening and when to speak to a doctor is an important first step toward informed, personalised healthcare decisions,” said Dr. Devavrat Arya, Vice Chairman, Medical Oncology, Max Healthcare, Delhi.
The screening gap persists even among men who undergo regular health checks. Although nearly two-thirds of respondents reported having an annual general health check-up, only around one in six said they had ever undergone prostate cancer screening. Awareness of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test was also limited: just 31% had heard of it, and only 14% had specifically requested the test.
“The survey brings out a worrying pattern: men are participating in general health check-ups, but prostate health is still not consistently part of that conversation. The fact that 84% of respondents are either unscreened, uncertain about their screening status or do not believe screening is necessary shows how much work remains in helping men understand prostate cancer risk and the role of early evaluation.
“These conversations should begin proactively and be guided by individual risk and clinical advice. Awareness remains the first and most significant barrier in the prostate cancer journey. Among elderly patients and their caregivers, there is limited understanding of the disease itself — its symptoms are often dismissed as normal signs of aging, leading to delayed diagnosis. “Even after a diagnosis is made, the gap doesn’t close: patients and families frequently remain unaware of advanced treatment options like radioligand therapy, leaving many to default to conventional pathways simply because no one told them otherwise.
“Closing this awareness gap — before and after diagnosis — is critical to ensuring patients access the right therapy at the right time,” said Dr. Nitesh Rohatgi, Principal Director of Medical Oncology at the Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI).
The survey also found that many men were unsure about which specialist to consult. While 67% identified doctors as their most trusted source of health information, only 36% correctly identified a urologist as the appropriate specialist for prostate cancer. About 44% said they would seek a second opinion before starting treatment.
Discomfort in discussing prostate health emerged as another barrier. Nationally, 59.5% of respondents said they were uncomfortable discussing screening or treatment with a doctor, while only around 18% said they would initiate such a conversation themselves. Although 84% searched online for health information, 48% said family or friends influenced their first conversation about prostate cancer.
“There is a clear disconnect between general health awareness and prostate-specific awareness. Many men are undertaking annual health check-ups, yet they may not know whether prostate cancer screening was discussed or whether they have ever undergone a PSA test. Education needs to focus on helping men understand risk factors, the role of screening and the importance of having an individualised conversation with their healthcare professional, said Dr. Ishita B.Sen, Principal Director Nuclear Medicine, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon.
Prostate health should not be ignored until symptoms appear, she added.
Men aged 65 and above showed some of the widest awareness gaps, with uncertainty about screening status rising to roughly 72% and limited knowledge of treatment options affecting around 80%. Recognition of family history as a risk factor remained low across age groups, at 11–14%, indicating that the problem extends across generations.
Prostate cancer is an important and growing health concern in India. Estimates published by the Indian Council of Medical Research’s National Cancer Registry Programme put the number of new cases at 43,691 in 2022, making it one of the leading cancers among men in the country.
However, greater awareness should not be confused with a recommendation for indiscriminate testing. The Urological Society of India’s guidelines recommend that early detection be considered on an individual basis, taking into account factors such as age, life expectancy and risk. Discussions may include PSA testing and a digital rectal examination, depending on the individual’s circumstances.
