Health
Rick Steves Shares His Prostate Cancer Journey
Health Points
- PSA testing can detect prostate cancer in early, treatable stages.
- Awareness and open discussion help reduce stigma around prostate health.
- Screening rates and guidelines for PSA tests have changed in recent years.
Travel writer Rick Steves, age 70, was surprised by a prostate cancer diagnosis after a routine PSA test revealed an unexpectedly high result. He hopes sharing his experience will encourage others to prioritize their health and speak openly about prostate-related issues.
“If I can help people be more mindful and smart with their health, especially as they get into the age that I’m at, that’s a beautiful thing to do with my celebrity,” he says.
Steves felt healthy and had never previously discussed PSA testing with his doctor, making his diagnosis a shock. He quickly chose surgery to remove his prostate, focusing on moving forward with recovery and embracing a wellness-oriented outlook.
“The focus went from wellness to survival really,” he says. “I knew I had access to good medical care, and I was determined to be a good patient and deal with it one step at a time and play the cards I’m dealt.”
After surgery, Steves prepared himself for side effects but found that healing came with time and support. His follow-up PSA tests showed a dramatic improvement, and his doctor told him he could consider himself cancer-free.
Prostate cancer rates have shifted over the years, with recent statistics showing an increase in advanced cases. Experts emphasize the importance of informed decision-making regarding PSA screening, especially for those with risk factors or family history.
“One thing that’s concerning about the increase in incidents is not only simply the numbers are going up, but we’re seeing an increase in the number of men who are presenting with more advanced and distant disease,” says Dr. William Dahut, chief scientific officer of the American Cancer Society.
Stay informed, discuss screenings with your healthcare provider, and remember that talking about prostate health can make a real difference.
