SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — Prostate cancer screenings saw a huge drop-off during the pandemic. Even as conditions improve, screenings continue to be a challenge.
A Syracuse urologist is concerned that a drop-off in prostate cancer screenings could lead to an uptick in highly progressed cancer diagnoses. Chief of urology at Crouse hospital and medical director for Associative Medical Professionals doctor David Albala says COVID has been a setback in early detection.
“So, then they changed the recommendation, then you place COVID on top of that so it’s really a double whammy effect, so now we’re trying to play catch up.”
Albala emphasizes the importance of early detection. Research from the American Cancer society shows that localized and regional disease has a nearly 100 percent five year survival rate. Compare that to a 30 percent survival rate for prostate cancer that has spread beyond the prostate. Albala says urologists agree screening early and often is the best protection against serious disease.
“You know the bottom line is, most urologists are thinking we need to continue to see patients and screen for them on a regular basis. Because it clearly picks up the disease earlier.”
Dr. Albala wants to remind people that if you are African-American or have a history of prostate cancer in your family, you should start screening at 40. All other individuals should consult their doctors to get screened at the right time.
