Published Sep 11, 2020

Prostate Cancer Survivor Ben Stiller, 54, Will Reunite With Owen Wilson For “Night at the Museum” Anniversary

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Movie Reunion

Actor Ben Stiller will reunite with his Night at the Museum co-stars 14 years after the movie debuted in theaters
Stiller was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2014, and credits going through a PSA blood test for catching it early
The blood test can screen for prostate cancer by detecting elevated levels of PSA in men’s blood, but it’s not a perfect tool

Catching prostate cancer early makes all the difference. Actor and prostate cancer survivor, Ben Stiller, is taking us on a trip down memory lane through a very special reunion with Night at the Museum co-stars Owen Wilson and Carla Gugino.

The reunion will occur on the internet series Stars in the House. It’s the 200th episode, Stiller, 54, will be joined by his co-stars 14 years after the beloved Night at the Museum movie debuted in theaters.

This virtual reunion is a good way for Stiller to reflect on all his achievements, which includes numerous MTV awards, an Emmy nomination, and beating prostate cancer. In 2016, the Zoolander star told radio host Howard Stern that he was diagnosed with the cancer in June 2014 at age 48, which is younger than most men are recommended to be screened. The American Cancer Society says the average man should start screening for prostate cancer starting at age 50, and for men who are at high risk, 45. Stiller credits his physician for taking the initiative to administer a screening test early, and says the PSA (Prostate-specific antigen) test is what saved his life.

"The PSA test is the only early screener for prostate cancer and, right now, the United States Preventative Services Task Force does not recommend to take the test," Stiller said in the 2016 interview. "I think the American Cancer Society says you should discuss it at 50. If I hadn't taken the test my doctor started giving it to me at 46 I would not have known. Right now, I still wouldn't have known."

Experts explains why the PSA test is vital for prostate cancer screening

What is a PSA Test?

When it comes to treating cancer, early detection is often the most powerful way to have a positive outcome. Today's guidelines for prostate cancer call for men to start screening at age 55 and continue until age 70. However, in Stiller’s case, it’s important to push for screening even if you don’t fall into the basic guidelines, because it can be a life-saving resource.

“That PSA test at a younger age, it’s a more accurate test because the prostate has not increased in size, which can cause the test to be more difficult to interpret,” Dr. David Wise, a medical oncologist at NYU Langone Perlmutter Cancer Center, tells SurvivorNet.

The test itself is a painless and quick procedure, lasting about 30 seconds. Men have a small amount of PSA in their blood all the time but large amounts may signal that something is wrong. When cancer cells grow, PSA spills into the blood, and that’s how doctors can detect cancer.

Experts break down the pros and cons of the PSA blood test

It’s important to note that elevated PSA levels doesn’t always point to cancer; sometimes it just means the prostate is enlarged or inflamed. This is common, and not a serious worry, and that’s why the PSA test is sometimes criticized for instilling too much fear into men.

The blood test is extremely helpful, but not perfect. So, patients should explore every option with their physician to determine whether the elevated levels are a cause for worry.

Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.

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