Death rates for prostate cancer in Utah hit number 4 in the US

SALT LAKE CITY — Former President Joe Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis has brought an old conversation to the forefront of headlines, and it’s one that men in Utah need to hear, because right now, they have nearly the highest death rates for prostate cancer in the U.S.

According to the Huntsman Cancer Institute, one in eight Utah men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, with roughly 2,000 to 3,000 new men diagnosed every year. Compared to other states, that puts Utah at number 21 in the country.

Why prostate cancer deaths are high in Utah

But when it comes to prostate cancer deaths, Utah is well above average: One in 40 Utah men die from the disease. That puts Utah at number 4 in the country for prostate cancer deaths.

Part of the problem is Utah men not getting screened as early as they should.

“It’s not that they’re not offered effective treatments, it’s that they’re commonly diagnosed with more advanced stages of prostate cancer because they’re likely not getting screened as early as they should be,” said Skyler Johnson, a radiation oncologist at Huntsman Cancer Institute.

Other reasons for that could be Utahns’ access to healthcare, especially in rural towns with older populations who live farther away from where they get treatment. It’s part of the reason then-Vice President Biden visited the Huntsman Cancer Institute back in 2016 — to unite researchers to eliminate cancer.

Utah men should screen for prostate cancer more often

So what’s the solution? Johnson said men need to be screened for prostate cancer starting at age 50.

There’s now a simple blood test you can take, he said. But if you have a family history of prostate cancer you may want to get screened sooner. At a bare minimum, 50 is the age men need to start talking with doctors about screening.

Still not sure? The University of Utah Prostate Risk Clinic offers resources to help.