Rick Steves' Prostate Cancer Diagnosis Explained

Travel guide Rick Steves revealed on August 21, 2024, that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. The expert in all things Europe delivered the announcement via his social media accounts on Facebook and X. Steves told his followers that he will be having surgery at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center-Seattle in September once he wraps up shooting in France for two episodes of his PBS show "Rick Steves' Europe." After the procedure, he will be taking a break for a month and then returning to work around the end of October.

In his post, Steves expressed optimism, stating that his doctor has told him, "[I]f you're going to get cancer, this is a good kind to get." While cancer can be a harrowing diagnosis, Justin J. Houman, MD, Tower Urology Men's Health, Assistant Professor Department of Urology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, told Health Digest exclusively that there are a few potential reason Steves' doctor told him this. "When Rick Steves' doctor said that prostate cancer is 'a good kind to get,' they likely meant that, compared to other types of cancer, prostate cancer often has a more favorable prognosis, especially when detected early and managed appropriately," he explained. He also mentioned that the American Cancer Society gives a near-100% 5-year survival rate for those with prostate cancer. 

Additionally, Steves said scans show no sign of the disease having metastasized. "I feel good about my positive attitude," Steves added, "and I expect to take home some delightful, if intangible, souvenirs like: appreciating and seeing a vibrancy in the little things; appreciating the goodness in people and the treasure of friends and family; being wowed by modern medicine and the army of amazing, smart, and dedicated people that make it possible; appreciating what a blessing life, health, and this world to enjoy is; and — just in general — being more thankful." The TV personality signed off by thanking his followers for their love and support and asking for "travel tips" as set off on his "journey."

Dr. Houman notes that the lack of spread is crucial for Steves' prognosis. While we cannot say for certain since we are not Steves' caregivers and none of the doctors we consulted with have examined Steves personally, the information he provided does help paint a more complete picture of what lies ahead for the travel maestro, and lack of spread is a positive sign. "Once prostate cancer spreads (metastasizes) to other parts of the body, it becomes more challenging to treat and manage," said Dr. Houman.

The American Cancer Society explains that prostate cancer occurs when cells in the prostate gland begin to grow out of control. The prostate gland is a small, walnut-shaped organ located below the bladder and in front of the rectum in men. It produces a fluid that makes up a part of semen, the substance that protects sperm and carries it out of the body through the urethra.

"Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men with an estimated 1:8 getting a diagnosis during their lifetimes," explained Afshin Eli Gabayan, MD, Medical Director, Beverly Hills Cancer Center in an exclusive interview with Health Digest. "Surgery and other interventions are typically predicated on what stage the cancer is in and whether or not it's progressing. If caught early enough, such treatments may not be necessary depending on the age of the person and the decision is up to the individual."

In its early stages, the disease may not have any symptoms so you could have prostate cancer without knowing it. As it advances, men may begin to experience certain prostate cancer warning signs such as problems with peeing, decreased force in the urine stream, blood in the urine, blood in the semen, bone pain, involuntary weight loss, and problems getting and keeping an erection.

As men get older, especially after age 50, their risk for prostate cancer rises. Black men and those with a family history of prostate or breast cancer also have increased risk. Some studies indicate that obesity is a risk factor as well (per Mayo Clinic).

About 80% of all prostate cancers are found when the cancer is still confined to the prostate or the nearby tissues, which makes it very treatable. Over 99% of men who are diagnosed at this point will live at least 5 years. In fact, the risk of dying from this disease is quite low. However, it can be more aggressive in some cases (Prostate Cancer Foundation).

Mays Cancer Center explains that your treatment options will depend on several factors, including your age, health, test results, whether your cancer has spread, and treatment side effects. Some cases may not need to be treated at all. Instead, you can take a monitoring approach with your prostate cancer. When surgery is required, doctors can often remove the prostate while still helping men retain their sexual functioning. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy can be used to kill cancer cells. Also, hormone therapy, which blocks the production of testosterone, can help slow or stop the growth of cancer cells.

Dr. Gabayan notes that Steves was likely given plenty of information on his options. These options would have included "... surgery, radiation, hormonal therapy and chemotherapy and other interventions that carry with them some potential side effects like incontinence and/or erectile dysfunction," he explained. "The quality of care and the experience of the treatment team often determine how the patient will fare in the long run."

Steves' optimism helps his fans absorb the blow that their favorite travel guru has prostate cancer, and hopefully bolsters their hope that his prognosis is a good one.