“Intense Living” Travel Guru Rick Steves, 70, Says He’s Going To Stay On The Road During Prostate Cancer Treatment

The travel writer and TV personality took to Facebook this month to further spread awareness for prostate cancer, sharing a PSA video for fans.

He captioned his post, “September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and I’m asking our community of travelers to help me spread the word: the earlier prostate cancer is found, the better your chances are of beating it.

“I didn’t get screened until I was 69 years old, and when I did, I discovered my prostate was riddled with cancer. Thankfully, it didn’t spread… my surgery went great… and my doctor says I’m now cancer-free. But you can bet I’ll be keeping an eye on my prostate-specific antigen score (PSA) — which you can find out for yourself with a simple blood test.”

He continued, “I like to think that we’ve all got some of our best travels ahead of us. So please, don’t wait: Visit cancer.org/getscreened to learn more from the American Cancer Society and find a screening location near you.”

Steves reminded anyone watching his video that approximately 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime.

“It’s not just a number, that’s someone’s father or brother or partner. It could be you,” he warned.

He then insisted his fans “can bet I’ll keep an eye on things” by going to his routine checkups and “testing regularly.”

We’re delighted to see Steves taking his time to raise awareness for the disease, all while embarking on new adventures in Europe.

During his recent trip to Turkey, he admitted that if he doesn’t feel like shaving, he goes to a local barbershop “with old Turkish boys hanging out and gossiping — maybe about tourists like me,” offering him a the unique travel experience he always strives for.

The visit to the barbershop prompts him to think, “This is good travel,” further noting, “This isn’t another ride at Disneyland…it’s a true cultural experience that I’ll never forget.”

He shared, “Experiences are why we travel. I recently turned 70, which means that for more than five decades now, I’ve spent about a hundred days a year in Europe. And even after all those trips, what I crave most when I’m on the road is exactly the same: a local experience.

“So often, it’s those little everyday activities — like a shave from a Turkish barber — that transform you from a tourist into a temporary local. And as I look back on my trips so far this year — to Turkey, England, Italy, Spain, and the Czech Republic — those experiences are what I remember most vividly.”

Steves then told his followers how he has recently enjoyed traditional Turkish bath in Istanbul and even a “park run” in London, England, further advising, “These are open to anyone — from neighborhood students to American travel writers — and offer a great way to get some exercise on the road, see a different side of a popular city, and make new friends.”

He concluded, “At Rick Steves’ Europe, we believe that it’s experiences that turn good travel into great travel. That’s why we write our guidebooks, produce our TV shows, and design our tours to help you discover not only where to go and what to see — but how to carbonate your vacation with memorable experiences. Because when you get that Turkish shave, jog with locals, or join a centuries-old worship service, you’re not just visiting Europe…you’re living it. …

“Remember: We write the guidebooks — but you write your own travel story. While you can count on us to equip you with the best guidance on great experiences, when it comes to making those memories happen: the ball is in your court. Keep on travelin’!”

Rick Steves’ Journey With Prostate Cancer

Rick Steves gave fans a health update on Oct. 8, 2024, writing on social media, “I’m happy to say that I’m home now after successful surgery and a night in the hospital. (Packing light for my homecoming, I left my prostate there.) Since I was first diagnosed, I’ve thought of cancer as the latest adventure in a lifetime of travels — and like always, I’m excited to share a trip report with you.

“My journey began with a blood draw to screen for prostate cancer. I was told that, at my age, a PSA score of 4 or greater would be considered ‘abnormal.’ So, when I got the shocking news that I had a PSA score of 55, it was like I’d been thrown into a new land fraught with mystery and uncertainty.”

He explained further, “In my case, I had options (basically non-surgical treatments or just cut it out). Caring people with strong opinions and lessons from experience weighed in as if in a debate tournament, competing in the interest of my health. Psychologically, I was inclined to embrace the ‘ectomy’ route — cut it out.

“And in my case (where the cancer is, how it’s acting, and my willingness to deal with — or live with — the side effects), it seemed surgery was my best option.”

Steves underwent a procedure called a robotic radical prostatectomy, later adding, “Thankfully, my doctor has a good report: Surgery went well, there was no sign of any spread, and the cancer seems to have been embedded deep in my prostate, which is now at the lab.”

He’s since been declared cancer-free, as of February 2025.

Understanding Prostate Cancer

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, it’s important to remember that most types of prostate cancers are treatable. According to the National Cancer Institute, the five-year survival rate of prostate cancer in the U.S. is 97.1%. There is, however, a small number of men whose type of prostate cancer may become unresponsive to treatment, for example, when cancer cells develop a resistance hormone therapy, the treatment may no longer work.

Prostate cancer begins in the prostate the walnut-shaped gland located between the rectum and bladder that produces the fluid that nourishes sperm. Outside of skin cancers, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men with about one in eight men being diagnosed with this disease during his lifetime.

It’s important to remember a prostate cancer diagnosis is not always preceded by symptoms. And even when symptoms do occur, they can be inconsistent and hard to pinpoint.

“Prostate cancer is a very odd disease in that it doesn’t have a particular symptom,” Dr. Edwin Posadas, director of translational oncology and the medical director of the Urologic Oncology Program at Cedars-Sinai, told SurvivorNet.

After the Diagnosis: “What Did I Do Wrong?”

Still, it’s important to note changes in urinary function, like urinating more or less often or waking up at night to go more than usual, could be a sign of prostate cancer. So, even if you think there’s nothing to worry about, always talk to your doctor about changes to your health when they occur.

There are many different treatment options for both early and later-stage prostate cancer including active surveillance, watchful waiting, surgery, radiation, cryotherapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy. The disease is one where doctors may have differing opinions on the best treatment path to take, so don’t hesitate to ask lots of questions and seek out multiple opinions.

Second (& Third) Opinions Matter When Deciding Between Surgery or Radiation

“I think it behooves the patient to have multiple discussions or second opinions, not only by the urologist who did the biopsy and diagnosed that man, but also with other surgeons and other radiation oncologist just to get a very circumspect view of what the treatment options are,” Dr. Jim Hu, a urologic oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine, told SurvivorNet. “Oftentimes, I think patients need to understand that our health system is based a lot on fee-for-service medicine.

“And so therefore, a lot of physicians, I think, who are very well intentioned, will believe that their treatment is best for that particular man,” Dr. Hu added.

Prostate Cancer Screening Guidelines

It’s unclear if the benefits of prostate cancer screening outweigh the risks for most men. Nevertheless, screening can be life-saving, and it’s important to discuss the pros and cons of screening and your risk factors for the disease with your doctor.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends “men have a chance to make an informed decision with their health care provider about whether to be screened for prostate cancer” after “getting information about the uncertainties, risks, and potential benefits of prostate cancer screening.”

The ACS says the discussion about prostate cancer screening should take place at:

• Age 50 for men who are at average risk of prostate cancer and are expected to live at least 10 more years.
• Age 45 for men at high risk of developing prostate cancer. This includes African Americans and men who have a first-degree relative (father or brother) diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age (younger than age 65).
• Age 40 for men at even higher risk (those with more than one first-degree relative who had prostate cancer at an early age).

When Should I Get Tested for Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer screening methods look for possible signs of the disease, but they can’t determine for sure if you have cancer. A prostate biopsy is the only way to confirm if the patient has prostate cancer.

Screening generally involves a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test and a digital rectal exam to feel the prostate gland. The prostate-specific antigen is a protein secreted by the prostate gland, large amounts of which can indicate prostate cancer.

It’s slightly uncomfortable but painless, and takes less than 30 seconds,” Dr. Posadas said of these methods. “The amount of information that is gained from that is tremendous, and it can be a life-and-death type decision that is made.”

Though the PSA test is not always accurate and an elevated PSA test does not always mean you have prostate cancer, our experts maintain that these tests are helpful. Make sure to discuss your options with your doctors and decide what screening should look like for you.

What You Need to Know About Survivorship

Whether you’re just starting out on your path as a survivor or have been living in survivorship for some time, you’ll find that the term carries multiple meanings. At its core, survivorship refers to life after facing a significant challenge, like a cancer diagnosis. More precisely, it represents the stage following treatment—a time when individuals transition from simply enduring their experience to embracing life with renewed purpose and strength.

It’s essential to understand that survivorship isn’t a final destination—it’s an ongoing process, much like in Rick Steves’ experience. It starts the moment someone is diagnosed with a major health condition and extends throughout their lifetime. You’ll often hear phrases like, “you become a survivor the day you’re diagnosed,” which highlight this perspective.

This idea speaks to the strength and determination required to face a serious illness, honoring the resilience it takes to move forward each day.

Being a survivor involves reshaping your life while managing the lasting effects of illness and its treatment. This stage often comes with physical and emotional challenges—ongoing medical appointments, fear of the illness returning, side effects from medication, and shifts in how you see yourself. Yet, it’s also a time when many discover newfound strength, personal growth, and transformation.

Survivorship isn’t simply about being disease-free—it marks a new chapter, a significant milestone. While this path may not be one you expected or wanted, it can lead to deeper self-awareness and a clearer sense of your inner resilience. No two survivorship journeys are the same, and how you move forward is entirely personal.

As you navigate this unfamiliar phase called “survivorship,” know that it’s okay to face uncertainty—and you don’t have to face it alone. There are many resources, communities, and support networks available to walk alongside you every step of the way.

Continued Medical Care

Staying committed to ongoing medical care is essential—be sure to attend all follow-up appointments and follow your provider’s guidance closely.

Adopting healthy coping strategies can make the transition into survivorship smoother and more manageable. Remember, take your time. There’s no need to rush. You’ve already conquered significant challenges, so allow yourself the space to move forward at a pace that feels right for you. Slow and steady truly does win the race.

Resilient learning to overcome any obstacle

Regular health checkups play a crucial role in supporting overall well-being and catching potential problems early. This is important for everyone, but it becomes especially vital for those navigating life after serious illness.

For individuals in survivorship, one key reason to keep up with routine medical visits is to watch for any signs of recurrence. While the goal is always full recovery, there remains a chance that the illness could return, even after effective treatment. Consistent checkups help ensure that any changes are identified promptly, allowing for early intervention if necessary.

Managing Other Health Conditions & Healthy Lifestyle Changes, Matters Too!

A survivorship journey may sometimes result in the development of new health issues, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or osteoporosis. Ongoing screenings and consistent monitoring play a key role in managing these conditions and preventing them from becoming more serious.

In addition, regular medical visits offer a chance for your healthcare provider to recommend positive lifestyle adjustments. These might include staying physically active, eating a nutritious diet, managing stress, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking or heavy drinking—all of which can greatly reduce the likelihood of cancer returning or other health complications arising.

‘Adversity and the Art of Happiness,’ How Hardship Makes You Stronger

‘Your Emotional Well-Being’ Can Impact Overall Survival

Dr. Dana Chase, a gynecologic oncologist at UCLA Health, says that maintaining good emotional health and quality of life is associated with better survival and better outcomes for patients. She encourages cancer patients to prioritize their emotional health for this reason.

“So definitely working on your emotional health, your physical well-being, your social environment, your emotional well-being, definitely working on those things and making them better are important and can impact your survival,” Dr. Chase told SurvivorNet in an earlier interview.

Dr. Chase suggests tapping into your support network, which includes loved ones like friends and family if you need help discovering what brings you positive emotions. You can also seek help from a patient advocate or a support group either in-person or virtually that shares your cancer or disease.

These important people in your life can help you navigate your emotions and even join you for fun activities to boost your emotional health, which in turn, can help how you address any lasting physical ailments.

Contributing: SurvivorNet Staff

Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.

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