The survey, conducted by Heal Foundation, found that 68.9% of men nationally could not identify even one prostate cancer risk factor, while only 13.2% recognised family history as a risk factor. Awareness of when prostate cancer monitoring should begin was also limited, with around 75% of men believing monitoring should start at age 50 or later, despite the monitoring window beginning at 45, or earlier for men with a positive family history.
Karnataka's findings reflect this broader national challenge. While the state recorded the strongest prostate cancer screening performance among the five states surveyed, its relative lead exists against a backdrop of low awareness nationally. Across India, 60.8% of men did not know their own screening status, only 31% had heard of the PSA blood test, and just 14% had ever specifically requested a PSA test. This is despite nearly two-thirds of men reporting that they undergo a general annual health check-up.
The findings point to a clear gap between general health-seeking behaviour and awareness of prostate-specific cancer risk and screening. Karnataka's relatively stronger screening performance therefore does not indicate that the awareness challenge has been resolved; rather, it highlights the need to convert existing healthcare access into greater awareness and proactive screening conversations among men aged 45 and above.
“Karnataka's relative performance should be viewed in the context of the much larger national awareness gap. When nearly seven in 10 men across India cannot name a single prostate cancer risk factor, the issue is clearly not limited to one geography. Karnataka may be ahead of the other states surveyed on screening, but there is still considerable scope to improve awareness about risk factors, the right age to begin monitoring and the role of PSA testing,” said Prof. Dr. Somashekhar S P, Consultant – Surgical & Gynaecological Oncology & Robotic Surgeon HIPEC & PIPAC Super specialist , Aster International Institute of Oncology.
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among Indian men, yet awareness of its risk factors remains limited. The survey found that 68.9% of respondents nationally could not name a single risk factor, while only 13.2% identified family history. The findings suggest that many men may not recognise their potential risk or understand when they should begin conversations about prostate health.
The lack of awareness also appears to influence screening behaviour. Nationally, the most commonly cited reasons for not undergoing screening were the belief that screening was not necessary (34%), absence of symptoms (approximately 28%) and lack of a doctor's recommendation (approximately 22%). Cost was cited by around 19%, while approximately 17% cited embarrassment or privacy concerns.
The survey further found that 59.5% of men were uncomfortable raising screening or treatment concerns with a doctor, while only around 18% said they would raise the issue themselves. This indicates that improving awareness may require not only information about prostate cancer but also greater normalisation of conversations around screening.
“The Karnataka findings offer an important insight into the prostate cancer journey. While the state shows relatively stronger awareness compared with the other regions surveyed, awareness of the disease also needs to extend to the treatment options available when prostate cancer advances. Radioligand therapy is an important development in the treatment landscape, yet many patients and families may still be unfamiliar with it. Improving awareness should therefore not stop at screening or diagnosis. Men and their caregivers also need access to information about evolving treatment options so they can have informed discussions with their treating specialists,” said Dr. Niti Raizada, Principal Director, Medical Oncology & HematoOncology, Fortis Hospital, Bangalore.
Awareness gaps extend beyond risk factors and screening. Only 36% of men nationally correctly identified a urologist as the appropriate specialist for prostate cancer, while 44% said they would want a second opinion before beginning treatment. Knowledge of treatment options was also limited, with 71.2% reporting low treatment knowledge and only around 10% describing themselves as confident across the prostate cancer care pathway.
The findings underline the need for a more consistent prostate cancer awareness approach across regions, with messaging focused on helping men understand risk factors, the appropriate age to begin monitoring, available screening options and when to seek specialist advice.
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