George Kittle Promotes Prostate Cancer Screening
The athlete is partnering with Novartis to encourage men to speak with their doctors about getting a blood test.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Men’s Health
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San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle is partnering with Novartis to encourage men in the United States to prioritize prostate cancer screenings. The initiative highlights the importance of early detection in improving long-term outcomes for the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American men.
Why it matters
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among men in the United States, yet early detection can lead to a survival rate greater than 99%. Raising awareness about these screenings is vital for reducing stigma and ensuring more men catch the disease at a treatable stage.
National health statistics indicate that 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, the most common cancer in men. When detected early, the relative 5-year survival rate is greater than 99%, though specific barriers to screening uptake remain under study.
The players
George Kittle
A San Francisco 49ers tight end who is using his platform to promote proactive health screenings.
Novartis
A global pharmaceutical company focused on innovative medicines and therapies for various health conditions.
The details
The campaign promotes the use of blood tests as a primary method for early detection. By encouraging men to speak openly about their health with friends and family, the partnership aims to lower the barrier to preventative testing. These discussions are intended to normalize the conversation around screening before symptoms appear, leveraging early detection to potentially save lives.
Timeline
8 to 10 years ago: George Kittle's grandfather was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Health Landscape
This effort follows the established pattern of using public figures to improve public health outcomes for widely prevalent cancers. It aligns with broader trends in oncology that prioritize early detection over late-stage intervention to improve survival rates across the population.
If you are concerned about your personal risk, consider speaking with your primary care physician about the benefits and limitations of prostate cancer screening. You can use these conversations to determine if a blood test is right for you based on your age and medical history.
The takeaway
Early screening is a critical tool for identifying prostate cancer when it is most treatable. Consider scheduling a conversation with your doctor to discuss whether a screening test is appropriate for your age and health profile.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in early detection and prevention on our Men’s Health page.
More information
For resources on testing, visit the prostate cancer screening information portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sports Illustrated.
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