Federal Grant Award Summary

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) awarded Weill Medical College of Cornell University a $595,632 Project Grant under the Cancer Cause and Prevention Research program (CFDA 93.393) effective July 17, 2026, with completion anticipated by June 30, 2030. This research initiative employs a mixed-methods approach to optimize prostate cancer screening decision-making among older men by examining how screening cessation should be tailored to individual patient health status. The project addresses a critical gap in clinical practice: while current guidelines recommend shared decision-making regarding prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening for men aged 70 and those with less than 10-year life expectancy—given uncertain benefits and documented risks of overdiagnosis and overtreatment—PSA-based screening remains widely used despite limited evidence of extended lifespan benefits in this population.

The research deliverables will identify key factors influencing current patient and physician decision-making regarding prostate cancer screening continuation and discontinuation among older men through qualitative and quantitative analysis. Findings will clarify how patient age, PSA levels, prostate cancer risk, life expectancy, general health status, and patient preferences and values should be weighted to optimize screening outcomes. By establishing evidence-based frameworks for individualized screening decisions in this population, the project supports the NCI's broader cancer prevention and early detection research mission while addressing implementation challenges in guideline-concordant care.