Overview

• Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in Germany, with over 65,000 new cases diagnosed annually, primarily in older individuals.
• Men aged 45 and older are entitled to a free annual digital rectal exam under Germany’s statutory health insurance program to detect potential prostate abnormalities.
• The PSA test, available as a self-paid service, can help identify early-stage prostate cancer but carries risks of overdiagnosis and overtreatment, according to experts.
• Physicians recommend personalized consultations to discuss individual risk factors, such as family history, and to make informed decisions about screening options.
• Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes, but prostate cancer often remains asymptomatic in its initial stages, highlighting the importance of proactive screening.