Super Bowl ad tackles men's fears about prostate cancer screening myths

A new Super Bowl commercial has aimed to tackle men's fears about prostate cancer screening. The campaign, titled Relax, It's a Blood Test, featured NFL stars Rob Gronkowski, George Kittle, and coach Bruce Arians. It sought to clarify that screening often starts with a simple blood test rather than a rectal exam.

Over the past decade, global guidelines on prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing have shifted significantly. Confusion remains, however, as recommendations now focus on shared decision-making rather than blanket advice.

Prostate cancer screening usually begins with a conversation between a man and his doctor. The first step is often a PSA test, which measures prostate-specific antigen levels in the blood. A result above 4 ng/mL is typically flagged as abnormal, but this does not confirm cancer—factors like age, family history, and overall health must be considered.

Benign conditions, such as an enlarged prostate or infection, can raise PSA levels. Even activities like ejaculation or intense exercise before the test may cause temporary spikes. If results are elevated, further monitoring or tests may follow, but a biopsy is not automatic.

A digital rectal exam (DRE) is only recommended if symptoms appear, PSA patterns raise concern, or risk factors exist. Many men avoid screening altogether, assuming it always involves a rectal exam. The campaign aimed to correct this misconception by highlighting the blood test as the primary first step.

Global guidelines have evolved over the last ten years. In the US, the USPSTF now advises selective screening for men aged 55–69 through shared decision-making. The American Urological Association (AUA) recommends biennial PSA tests for informed men in this age group, with adjustments for higher-risk individuals. Meanwhile, the European Association of Urology (EAU) supports routine PSA screening for men aged 50–75 who choose it after counselling, alongside MRI-targeted biopsies and risk calculators.

The campaign's message is clear: early detection of prostate cancer often starts with a blood test, not a rectal exam. Updated guidelines now stress personalised discussions between patients and doctors rather than one-size-fits-all advice. Men are encouraged to speak with their healthcare provider to determine the best approach for their situation.