Taking Charge of Men’s Health: Need for More Comprehensive Care Beyond the Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

Abstract

Introduction: In this study, we aim to characterize diagnosed and undiagnosed comorbid conditions as well as the sufficiency of their management in order to demonstrate the opportunity available to improve the overall health in men presenting with a new prostate cancer diagnosis. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on patients presenting with a new prostate cancer diagnosis from January 2020 to March 2022 to determine undiagnosed conditions and adequacy of the management of comorbidities. Results: Of the included patients, 24.9% had prediabetes, 19.3% diabetes mellitus (DM), 68.5% hypertension (HTN), 70.2% hyperlipidemia (HLD), and 43.1% metabolic syndrome. For DM, HTN, and HLD, 10.5%, 18.8%, and 18.8% of patients were screened but inadequately treated, respectively; 5.5%, 13.8%, and 8.3% were not diagnosed; 2.8%, 0, and 5.5% were not screened. The average 10-year ASCVD risk in patients with metabolic syndrome was 25.6% vs 15.1% in those without ( P < .001), and 21.8% vs 15.1% in patients who were incompletely screened for chronic disease compared with those who were screened per guidelines ( P < .001). Conclusion: The study population has high rates of comorbidities, and undermanaged chronic diseases. This significant unmet health care need represents an opportunity for urologists to champion men’s health in new prostate cancer patients.