SALT LAKE CITY — Prostate Cancer Awareness in Utah

The recent diagnosis of prostate cancer in former President Joe Biden has stirred up an important discussion that men in Utah need to pay attention to. Currently, Utah has one of the highest death rates from prostate cancer in the United States.

According to the Huntsman Cancer Institute, nearly 1 in 8 men in Utah will face a prostate cancer diagnosis at some point in their lives. Each year, about 2,000 to 3,000 new cases are identified, positioning Utah at 21st in the nation for diagnoses.

However, when it comes to fatalities, the statistics are more concerning: 1 in 40 men in Utah die from prostate cancer, placing the state 4th nationally for such deaths.

One contributing factor is that many men in Utah are not getting screened as early as they should. Issues surrounding healthcare access, particularly in rural areas, play a role—many older residents live further away from treatment centers. This situation is part of what led then-Vice President Biden to visit the Huntsman Cancer Institute in 2016, aiming to rally researchers to work towards cancer elimination.

So, what can be done? Health experts suggest that men should begin prostate cancer screenings at age 50. There’s an easy blood test available, but if you have a family history of prostate cancer, earlier screening might be advisable. At the very least, age 50 is when men should start discussing screenings with their healthcare providers.

If you’re uncertain about the process, the University of Utah Prostate Risk Clinic provides various resources to assist.