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Marcelo Bigarella, M.D.
In Arkansas, Prostate Cancer Awareness Month Needs to Last All Year
| By Marcelo Bigarella, M.D.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, and when detected early, it often carries an excellent prognosis. Unfortunately, here in Arkansas, screening rates remain below the national average.
How does this impact me?
Too many of us, our fathers, brothers, husbands, co-workers and friends, are not being tested early enough. Delays in detection lead to more advanced disease at diagnosis, fewer and more complex treatment options, and ultimately worse outcomes. Simply put — when screening is missed, the chance of curing prostate cancer for good is reduced. This is not just a statistic — it is a call for action in our communities.
A simple blood test, the prostate-specific antigen (PSA), remains the most effective first step in detecting prostate cancer early. Yet, in Arkansas, screening rates continue to fall short of the national average. Data from national cancer registries show that men in our state are significantly less likely to undergo recommended screening compared with men elsewhere. This gap is driven by multiple factors — limited access to health care, lower medical literacy, the impact of social determinants of health, personal beliefs, and, in some cases, mistrust of the medical system. These barriers cannot be ignored; they must be addressed through coordinated efforts at the state level if we are to close the gap and improve outcomes for Arkansas men.
At the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), we are working to change this trajectory. Through partnerships with institutions across the state, we are expanding access to prostate cancer screening and treatment, particularly for patients in underserved and rural communities who often face the greatest barriers to care. By reaching out to men who might not otherwise have access to preventive services, we can save lives and narrow the gap in cancer outcomes between Arkansas and the rest of the country.
Equally important is raising awareness. UAMS Urologic Oncology is committed to engaging directly with the public through outreach programs, community events and educational conferences. These efforts allow us to highlight the importance of screening, promote early detection and dispel the myths that too often prevent men from seeking timely care.
I have just found out I have prostate cancer. What is next?
At the same time, for those diagnosed with prostate cancer today, treatment options are more advanced than ever. Modern therapies are not only more effective but also designed to minimize side effects, giving patients a better chance at a cure while preserving quality of life. These innovations include robotic-assisted surgery, advanced genetic testing to understand familial risk, cutting-edge radiation therapy such as that available at the Proton Center of Arkansas, improved biopsy techniques, PSMA PET scans for precise cancer localization, and focal therapy.
We are particularly grateful to our philanthropic partners and the community, whose support has allowed us to push the boundaries of innovation. Thanks to their generosity, we have been able to establish the first state-of-the-art focal therapy program in Arkansas. This approach enables us to target cancer with precision, reduce side effects and significantly improve patients’ quality of life — demonstrating the powerful impact of community engagement and innovation working hand in hand.
As a fellowship-trained urologic oncology surgeon, I see firsthand the difference that early detection and innovative treatment can make, and I strongly believe that awareness by itself is not enough. September should not just be a month where we talk about prostate cancer — it must be a turning point where more Arkansans take action: getting screened, supporting outreach efforts and helping us build a stronger cancer care system for the state.
This September, until next September next year, and so forth, I urge every Arkansan to do two things:
- If you are eligible, talk to your doctor about prostate cancer screening.
Early detection can save lives.
- Find a way to get involved.
Whether through advocacy, philanthropy or spreading awareness, please get involved. Your contribution really matters.
Let’s make sure that when it comes to prostate cancer, our fathers, sons, brothers, husbands, co-workers and friends are around us for years to come.
Marcelo Bigarella, M.D., is a fellowship-trained urologic oncologist at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) who sees patients in the UAMS Health Urology Oncology Clinic at the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute.