Travel Writer Rick Steves Shares His Prostate Cancer Journey

Rick Steves, the well-known travel writer, recently experienced an unexpected health scare after changing insurance providers. During a visit to a new doctor, he was recommended to take a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, which he agreed to.

“Two days later, he called to say, ‘You’ve got a serious problem. Your PSA is 55, and you have prostate cancer,’” Steves recounted. “It was all hands on deck to figure out how we’re going to tackle this issue.”

The American Cancer Society notes that having a PSA level over 10 heightens the risk of prostate cancer. Steves expressed his desire to share his journey in hopes of raising awareness about the importance of PSA testing and prostate cancer itself.

“If I can help people be more cautious about their health, particularly as they approach my age, that’s a great way to use my platform,” he mentioned. “We need to talk about it, to demystify prostate cancer so folks feel comfortable discussing something many consider private.”

‘Feeling So Good’

Receiving the diagnosis in August 2024 was a shock for Steves, especially since he felt healthy and had just discussed wellness with his doctor.

“I felt fantastic—almost 70, looking forward to the future. We were chatting about staying fit, eating right, and enjoying life,” he said.

His former physician had never addressed the need for a PSA test, leading Steves to feel it was “just dumb luck” that he discovered his condition. He quickly shifted focus to how to treat the cancer.

“The focus went from wellness to survival, really,” he explained. “I knew I had access to quality medical care, and I promised myself to handle this one step at a time.”

Believing he had early-stage cancer, Steves chose to undergo a prostatectomy, where the entire prostate is removed.

“I just prayed it was all contained, with a good margin around it. Psychologically, I felt the need to get it out,” he shared. His surgeon agreed with this approach.

In September 2024, he underwent surgery, fully aware of potential side effects like incontinence and erectile dysfunction.

“I figured, let’s tackle the cancer first, and I’ll deal with those side effects afterward,” he remarked. “The best scenario would be to eliminate it entirely.”

Fortunately, his recovery went smoothly, and the side effects didn’t hinder his travel plans.

“When you’re dealing with incontinence, it can feel endless,” Steves admitted. “It’s quite uncomfortable.”

However, medical professionals assured him that patience would lead to improvement, and thankfully, it did.

“After three months, I was fine,” he said.

Several months post-surgery, he took another PSA test to determine if the cancer had been completely removed.

“The waiting was strange—feeling helpless, with no idea if they’d gotten it all or if it was still active in my body,” he reflected.

His first PSA reading was 0.09, followed by a 0.03.

“The doctor told me I could consider myself cancer-free. That was indeed good news,” he stated.

Prostate Cancer Rates on the Rise

In early September, the American Cancer Society released statistics indicating an increase in prostate cancer rates, published in the journal CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians.

Dr. William Dahut, chief scientific officer of ACS, highlighted that it’s not just the rising numbers but also the emergence of more men with advanced cases that is concerning. Such stages refer to metastatic or Stage 4 cancer.

“Distant disease is uncurable, and this rise in advanced cases is alarming,” Dahut noted.

The report revealed that between 2007 and 2017, prostate cancer rates decreased by 6.4% annually; however, from 2014 to 2021, they surged by 3% each year.

Dahut explained that declining PSA screenings, especially after a 2012 recommendation suggesting they did more harm than good, greatly contributed to the increase.

“There was a sharp decline in men opting for PSA testing,” he remarked.

In 2018, the guidelines were updated to recommend discussions about PSA testing for men aged 55 to 70. Factors like family history or previous abnormal tests affect screening choices, leading to confusion. As of now, very few men are undergoing screenings, according to Dahut.

“Historically, prostate cancer can remain dormant for years before becoming aggressive, so it makes sense that fewer screenings would lead to more advanced cases presenting,” he added.

Environmental factors, diet, and physical inactivity may also contribute to rising rates.

Prostate cancer symptoms typically emerge only in advanced stages.

“You might notice issues like blood in urine if it spreads to the bladder, or experience pain and fatigue if it spreads to the bones,” Dahut explained.

Treatment options include active surveillance, prostatectomy, radiation, or hormone therapy. Some men might not need treatment for early-stage cancer, as improvements in MRI technology allow for closer monitoring.

“Some cancers don’t progress,” he noted, adding that anxiety often drives men toward treatment.

Understanding one’s family health history is crucial since there’s a strong genetic aspect to prostate cancer.

“People often overlook the importance of family history,” Dahut stated. “Those with a strong history should start discussions about screening around age 40.”

‘Be Open’ About Prostate Cancer

Since his cancer diagnosis, Steves has encountered numerous survivors.

“It’s striking how secretive the illness is—people only share once they’re part of the club,” he observed. “I had friends and colleagues who had the disease, and I was completely unaware. They were quite skilled at maintaining their privacy.”

Steves, however, chose to be open about his situation.

“I believe in being transparent about life’s challenges, as people genuinely care,” he expressed. “It’s vital to stay attuned to one’s body.”

Reflecting on his busy lifestyle, he admitted to becoming somewhat neglectful of his health, hoping others prioritize theirs.

“I was too busy to get tested or take care of myself,” he remarked.

Since undergoing treatment, he feels incredibly thankful for the medical professionals responsible for his positive outcome.

“Without research, I wouldn’t be here,” he acknowledged. “We must value and fund medical research.”

Reflecting on the advancements he’s witnessed, Steves remains committed to inspiring others to explore the world around them.

“I’m still traveling, writing guidebooks, creating TV shows, and encouraging people to embrace global exploration,” he shared. “That’s my purpose, and I’m grateful for the years ahead, thanks to medical science.”