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Recognizing Urology and Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

ASCs across the country treat patients with urinary and reproductive health issues

BY HALLE GRAHAM | SEPTEMBER 27, 2024

September is Urology Awareness Month and Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. According to the American Cancer Society, “About 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime” and it is the “second-leading cause of cancer death in American men.” The American Urological Association has advocated for prostate cancer screening “beginning at age 40 to 45 years for people at increased risk of developing prostrate cancer.” Due to the tireless work of public officials, healthcare professionals and the public, early detection of urological issues and prostate cancer has been lifesaving for countless individuals.

Based on ASCA’s analysis of Medicare data, around 1,000 Medicare-certified ASCs across 47 states treat patients with urological issues. In 2022, ASCs performed 235,000 urological procedures on Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) beneficiaries alone. Research has shown that ASCs offer efficient care with greater affordability than hospital outpatient departments (HOPD).

ASCs are the optimal choice for urological treatments because they offer excellent patient satisfaction for surgical care, partly due to lower costs and infection rates, says Gary Richberg, RN, CASC, vice president of ASCA’s Board of Directors, ASCA Political Action Committee (ASCAPAC) member and chief executive officer of Bellingham Urology Group in Bellingham, Washington. “Though our group does not provide robotic surgeries, we perform many prostate ultrasounds and prostate biopsies, with patients’ results available 24 to 40 hours after the doctor performs the biopsy.” The procedure is relatively painless for many patients, he says.

Men must be mindful of even subtle health indicators that could serve as early warnings of the potential risk of prostate cancer, Richberg says. Those who “have trouble urinating, inflammation of the prostate gland or a family history of prostate cancer” should seek healthcare guidance. In addition, prostate cancer rates vary by race, with one in six African American men having prostate cancer as compared to one in eight men overall. “There should be a greater awareness of prostate cancer in African American communities and an emphasis on the importance of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing and rectal exams,” he says.

Richberg is an advocate for prostate exams to be part of a routine annual physical exam for men who are 40 years old, which aligns with the 2023 American Urological Association’s recommendations.

History of Government Support

Prostate health awareness dates back a quarter of a century when the American Foundation for Urologic Disease—now known as the Urology Care Foundation—first established September as National Prostate Health Month. In 2003, former President George W. Bush honored National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month with an official presidential proclamation. Most recently, President Joseph R. Biden formally recognized the month and encouraged those at risk for prostate cancer to visit a healthcare professional for early screening and treatment.

ASCs must be reimbursed fairly to allow for them to remain a viable option for urological and other procedures. Recently, ASCA submitted comments in response to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) 2025 proposed payment rule for ASCs and HOPDs, highlighting rising costs within surgery centers and policy changes that CMS should make to increase patient access to care. It is important for ASCs to make their voices heard as well. Consider hosting a facility tour with your members of Congress to educate them about the work your ASC does in your community.