7 in 10 Indian Men Over 45 Cannot Name a Prostate Cancer Risk Factor

The survey, conducted by Heal Foundation covered 1,036 men aged 45 and above across Delhi NCR, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana and Maharashtra. The findings were released as part of a consensus-building initiative focused on prostate cancer in India.

Nationally, 68.9% of men over 45 could not name a single prostate cancer risk factor. Family history, one of the important indicators for prostate cancer risk, was recognised by only 13.2% of respondents. Around 75% of men also believed that monitoring should begin only at age 50 or later, despite the survey's stated recommended window of 45, or earlier for those with a positive family history.

The findings underline that the awareness challenge extends well beyond individual states. While Telangana shows a similar pattern of limited risk-factor awareness, the national data indicate that lack of awareness is a country-wide concern, requiring stronger communication around who is at risk, when monitoring should begin and why early conversations with doctors matter.

The awareness gap is also reflected in screening behaviour. Only around 1 in 6 men nationally reported ever having been screened, while 60.8% did not know their own screening status. Awareness of the PSA blood test was also limited, with only 31% having heard of it and just 14% having specifically requested the test. This is despite nearly two-thirds of men reporting that they undergo a routine annual health check-up that does not necessarily lead to a prostate-specific screening discussion.

Symptom awareness remains uneven as well. Urinary symptoms such as frequent urination, recognised by approximately 54% of respondents, and weak or interrupted urine flow, recognised by around 44%, were identified considerably more often than pelvic, back, hip or bone-related symptoms.

The reasons men gave for not undergoing screening further point to the need for better awareness and doctor-led conversations. Nationally, 34% believed screening was not necessary, around 28% cited the absence of symptoms, and approximately 22% said they had not received a doctor's recommendation.

“When nearly 7 in 10 men cannot name a single risk factor, the problem starts well before the clinic door. It starts with what is or is not being communicated at the community level. In Hyderabad and across Telangana, we need risk-factor education to move into spaces men already trust and visit regularly — family physicians, workplace health camps and even neighbourhood pharmacists — rather than waiting for a man to walk in only after symptoms have appeared,” said Dr Venkata Sampath V, Consultant Medical Oncology at Apollo Hospitals Jubileehills, Hyderabad.

Family history also remains a significant knowledge gap. Only about 13% of men nationally recognised it as a prostate cancer risk factor, with the Telangana findings reflecting a similar awareness lag.

“Telangana’s findings highlight an important gap in prostate cancer awareness, particularly around family history and what it can mean for an individual’s risk. This awareness is important not only for earlier evaluation but also for understanding the disease journey if cancer is diagnosed. As treatment options continue to evolve, including radioligand therapy for appropriate patients with advanced prostate cancer, patients and families need to be better informed about the choices available to them. A stronger understanding of family history, risk and evolving treatment options can help ensure that prostate cancer conversations begin earlier and continue through the course of care,” said Dr. Vamshi Krishna M, Director, Department of Medical Oncology, AIG Hospitals.

The consultation itself remains a barrier. 59.5% of men nationally said they were uncomfortable raising prostate screening or treatment with a doctor, while only around 18% said they would initiate the conversation themselves. Just 36% correctly identified a urologist as the appropriate specialist for prostate cancer. The knowledge gaps were particularly pronounced among men aged 65 and above, with screening uncertainty rising to roughly 72% and low treatment knowledge to roughly 80%.

The findings point to a need for prostate cancer communication that moves beyond symptom-led awareness and focuses on risk factors, family history, appropriate screening conversations and the importance of discussing prostate health with a doctor. The national picture suggests that Telangana's challenge is part of a wider awareness gap across India, making consistent, targeted education important at both the state and national levels.