Biden cancer diagnosis spurs free prostate screenings in NYC 8 tips for first-timers
News that former President Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with an “aggressive” form of prostate cancer sent shockwaves across the nation this week.While the overall five-year survival rate for prostate cancer is an impressive 97%, that number plunges to just 37% once the disease spreads to other parts of the body, according to the American Cancer Society. In the wake of Biden’s bombshell announcement, Dr.David Shusterman, a board-certified urologist and founder of Modern Urologist, is offering support to New Yorkers.Shusterman is providing free prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests — a key screening tool for prostate cancer — at his Midtown East office through the end of June.Patients don’t need insurance for the initial test, though follow-up care may be necessary if PSA levels come back elevated.Men interested in getting screened can call (212) 991-9991 to book an appointment.“In the time it takes to check your phone, your provider can perform a screening that could make a significant difference to your future health,” Shusterman told The Post.
“Take pride in taking that step.”Biden’s diagnosis was front-page news, but prostate cancer is no rarity.It’s the second most common cancer among men in the US, with 1 in 8 expected to face it at some point in their lifetime, according to the National Institutes of Health. And it’s deadly serious, ranking second only to lung cancer in cancer-related deaths among American men. While prostate cancer can strike at any age, the risk climbs with every birthday.
Most cases are diagnosed after age 65.Some men face even steeper odds. Black men are disproportionately affected and are more likely to be diagnosed at a younger age with more aggressive forms of the disease than other racial or ethnic groups.Adding to the danger? Prostate cancer often grows slowly and has no symptoms in the early stages, meaning many men go years without knowing they have it.When symptoms do emerge, they can mimi...