Fewer prostate screenings reported in California

Annual prostate cancer screening rates in California dropped slightly this year. Statistics from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention show that men over 50 in the Golden State only get screened about 53 percent of the time, down from 55 percent last year. As a result, California has a screening rate about the same as the national average (52 percent).

"Government statistics show that when caught early, prostate cancer has a 99 percent survival rate," National Prostate Cancer Coalition CEO Richard Atkins, MD said. "A 10-minute test can save your life. The problem is that most men don't take advantage of it and many state governments aren't doing enough to protect men who are at risk."

About one of every 13 prostate cancer deaths in America occurs in California.

"Before we can remove prostate cancer from any family, we must remove the obstacles to promising new research and provide education, screening and treatment to those who need it most," Atkins said. "To do so requires the public's support. We can beat prostate cancer. How soon is up to the people of California."