Asger Risom
A missed check-up may be more dangerous than most men realize
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Preventive health measures often rank low on people’s to-do lists, especially when the symptoms of illness aren’t visible. But ignoring screenings, particularly for conditions with high prevalence rates, can come at a steep cost — especially for men.
Study links missed prostate screenings to increased death risk
A new European study has revealed that men who skip prostate cancer screenings face a 45% higher risk of dying from the disease, compared to those who undergo regular checks. The data comes from the European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer (ERSPC), one of the largest long-term screening trials ever conducted.
Out of more than 72,000 participants tracked over two decades, 1 in 6 men skipped all of their screening appointments. According to the study presented at the 2025 European Association of Urology Congress, these so-called “non-attenders” were significantly more likely to die from prostate cancer than both those who attended screenings and those in a control group who weren’t invited.
The study also found that men who participated in PSA testing had a 23% lower risk of prostate cancer death, while those who didn’t attend had a 39% higher risk, compared to the control group. These findings underscore the critical role of early detection in improving survival rates.
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As reported by Healthline, experts say that long-term randomized data like this could help settle previous debates surrounding the effectiveness of PSA screening.
Why men avoid screening — and how to change that
While the benefits of early prostate cancer detection are increasingly clear, the reasons many men still avoid screenings remain complex. Practical barriers like time, cost, or limited awareness about screening guidelines play a role, but researchers also point to psychological and cultural factors.
Some men may simply be less proactive about health in general. Others might be influenced by outdated advice or remain unaware that prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men worldwide.
Doctors stress the importance of education and social influence. When screening is recommended by a physician or encouraged by a partner or peer, men are more likely to follow through. Raising public awareness could be key, especially as global prostate cancer cases are projected to double by 2040.
Takeaway
With 1 in 8 men likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, the case for regular screening is stronger than ever. This latest research reinforces that skipping PSA tests can carry life-threatening consequences — and that proactive healthcare decisions can save lives.
